December 2007
·SIUE's Accounting Students Take Second In The State On CPA Exam
·Professor Tobbs Moves West; Still Fighting The Good Maths Fight
·SIUE School of Nursing Faculty Member Receives $10K Fellowship
·SIUE Community-Oriented Policing Promotes Campus Safety
·Top 10 Finish For SIUE School of Pharmacy Students
·SIUE Chosen As A 2007 Greater St. Louis Top 50 Award Recipient
·East St. Louis Charter School Student Wins $1,000 NAACP Scholarship
·MCEIA Names Monsanto Employer of The Year; Nominated By SIUE's CDC
·SIUE Department of Psychology And Student Groups To Host Lecture
·Members Of SIUE Golf Team And Coach Help Big Brothers Big Sisters
·Starratt Left For WSU; Also Left IT Legacy At SIUE
·SIUE Emeritus Chancellor Werner Becomes Interim Provost At IUP
·Toys For Tots The Real Winner In American Girl Doll Giveaway
·Physical Chemistry Students Give Poster Presentations
·November And December Employees Of The Month
·SIUE Graduate School Open House Draws Over 200 Prospects
·Mother of Seven Prepares To Graduate From SIUE School of Nursing
·SIUE, Mackey Mitchell Teams Wins Second Phase Of National Competition
·Penn Scholar Calls For Change In Higher Ed.; Parents Can Help
·SIUE School of Education Awarded Federal Grant For Writing Project
·AT&T Holds News Conference To Announce SIUE School of Nursing Gift
·SIUE Holiday Tree Reflects Special People This Holiday Season
·SIUE/SIUC Engineering Schools To Start Cooperative Program
·Kansas State Distinguished Professor To Speak Dec. 5 At SIUE
12/18/07
SIUE's Accounting Students Take Second In The State On CPA Exam
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The results are in and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's accounting graduates ranked second among Illinois state universities for CPA exam scores.
SIUE, with nearly 40 percent of its test takers passing all parts of the exam, placed under Illinois State University, which boasted a nearly 41 percent passing rate, while ranking just above the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, which reported a total passing rate of just over 36 percent.
"This is a great accomplishment for our graduates and our program," said Michael L. Costigan, professor and chair of the SIUE Department of Accounting, through the School of Business.
The National Association of State Boards of Accountancy publishes a summary of CPA exam results annually which reflect the previous year's results.
"These test results verify our belief that we have an excellent accounting program," said Tim Schoenecker, acting dean of the SIUE School of Business. "Our accounting program is one of only two in the St. Louis metropolitan area that is accredited by AACSB International-The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
"These results provide further evidence of the quality of our faculty and students in accounting."
12/20/07
Professor Tobbs Moves West; Still Fighting The Good Maths Fight
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Tobbs may have moved his base of operations from the Heartland to the Pacific Rim, but he's still fighting the good fight-trying to convince American educators that young children have amazing mathematics abilities.
So, who is Tobbs? He's Tom O'Brien, a Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Education emeritus professor who's a grandfather now but still carrying on the same research in the San Francisco Bay Area, while enjoying his new granddaughter.
Tobbs is a sort of alter ego who shows up in some of the games, books and software O'Brien has created and marketed in the United States, Europe, United Kingdom, Brazil and Australia. A creator of math games and activities for many years, O'Brien also has begun producing computer games to reach a wider audience of young people. Information about those games may be found on his Web site: www.professortobbs.com
For nearly 30 years, O'Brien has been doing research with youngsters in the St. Louis area whose teachers are former students of his. Together, O'Brien and these SIUE alumni have discovered some interesting findings and have published those findings in several math journals in the United States and in the United Kingdom.
"For several years we have been investigating children's performance on inference activities," O'Brien and his former student, Christine Wallach of Fenton, Mo., wrote last month in their co-authored article in Primary Mathematics, a magazine for math teachers published in the UK. Wallach, who has been teaching fifth graders and now first graders at the New City School in St. Louis, and O'Brien go on to explain that inference is "the generating of new knowledge based on old knowledge. Inference is one of the basics of mathematics."
They gathered research for articles for several years with Wallach's students as they played inference games created by O'Brien. In one game, the teachers offered a square divided into a four-by-four grid, creating 16 smaller squares inside the larger square. The columns were lettered A through D along the top while the rows were numbered one through four down the side. A "ruby" or other "gem" was mentally placed by the teachers in one or more of the 16 boxes.
"The children were told to ask questions, gather clues and find the gem," O'Brien explained. "For example, by the rules of the game, children would be told 'yes' if a hidden gem was in the box they asked about or if it were touching that box in any way. Otherwise they'd get a 'no.'"
O'Brien pointed out that in the class of first-graders and the class of fifth graders there was no teaching by the teacher. "As with our prior research," O'Brien and Wallach wrote, "no teaching whatsoever took place except that the rules of the game were announced and children were encouraged to keep a 'consequences grid' (showing) which boxes had been ruled out by the data or which were possible … as determined by the children."
What the two educators found was "pretty amazing," according to O'Brien. Young children were discovering the gem with a minimum of questions. "Even when we 'hid' more than one gem, they still were able to find the 'treasure' quickly," O'Brien said. "I've tried this with adults and most of them find the task very, very difficult.
"Chris and I were excited about the complexity of the children's thinking," O'Brien said about the four years of research he and Wallach have produced. "It was routine for us to be awed by their ideas as well as by their support and respect for one another's thinking."
This all illustrates the argument O'Brien's been making for years-teachers in this country tend to shove basic mathematics down the throats of students when, faced by well-chosen problems and challenges, they can learn to master these tools which in turn can lead to solid mathematical thinking as well as everyday critical thinking.
"It would be nice if one day (American administrators and teachers) could work together to develop a comfortable and sensible, as well as entertaining, approach to teaching math via children's problem-solving rather than memorizing," O'Brien said. "That way, we could all work from a common point of view. The traditional pedagogy hasn't been working, given the evidence of how our grade school kids are struggling with math."
O'Brien believes teachers sometimes don't believe young students are all that smart. "Working with kids is fascinating," he said. "They know a lot more than we can imagine. If we treat them right, children will become capable of very complex thinking. And, this type of logical thinking becomes the basis of critical thinking which will help them for a lifetime.
"My hope is that our research will help to diminish enthusiasm for the back-to-basics nonsense and the authoritarian teaching approaches so common these days," O'Brien said. "In much of the world, my point of view is run-of-the-mill," O'Brien said. "But in America it's not very common."
12/19/07
SIUE School of Nursing Faculty Member Receives $10K Fellowship
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Frank Lyerla, assistant professor of primary care/health system's nursing in the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Nursing, recently received a $10,000 competitive Nursing Educator Fellowship Award from the Illinois Board of Higher Education.
Lyerla, who is one of 15 nurses throughout the state to receive the fellowship, will use the money to further his studies in nursing informatics, a specialty that integrates nursing science, computer science and information science. He plans to become the School of Nursing's informatics expert.
This award marks the second consecutive year that a member of the SIUE School of Nursing has received the Nursing Educator fellowship.
12/18/07
SIUE Community-Oriented Policing Promotes Campus Safety
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Eleven years ago, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville introduced its philosophy on community policing, which charges staff, faculty and students to help officers keep its campuses safe. The philosophy includes being responsive and responsible to the community by building partnerships with students, faculty, staff and law enforcement agencies in the Metro East.
"We have a model program," said SIUE Police Chief Gina Hays. "We meet weekly with student affairs, housing, counseling and the dean of students and we talk about every police report that involves a student."
Currently the police department has 31 officers on staff, stationed on the main campus in Edwardsville, as well as at the East St. Louis campus. The police department operates in four squads and each officer works 12-hour shifts.
"The University Police Department is committed to a safe and secure campus," Hays said. "Our officers are sworn police personnel under the authority granted by Illinois law and have the power to make arrests."
The University police presence is highly visible in squad cars, as well as on bike and foot patrols. Last year, officers spent 544 hours in training sessions, with each individual on the force averaging between 40-50 hours of training. From January-October 2007, officers spent more than 110 hours presenting crime prevention and safety information at meetings for SIUE students and staff.
Some educational training opportunities for officers include REID Interview and Interrogation Techniques, Crisis Intervention Team Training, Internet Crime Prevention and Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention.
Statistics for 2006 show officers responded to four instances of burglary, which includes cases of illegal entry with the intent of taking property; two cases of motor vehicle theft, one case of aggravated assault and three cases of sex offenses.
The police department works closely with neighboring law enforcement agencies, including local, county, state and federal entities. Each fall, the vice chancellor for Student Affairs hosts a meeting with representatives from these agencies. Representatives come to campus for an opportunity to collaborate on student issues that may arise within their communities. Hays said the idea for this meeting came from SIUE Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Narbeth Emmanuel. He orchestrated the annual event as a way to strengthen and enhance relationships, and promote a cohesive approach within the law enforcement community at all levels.
The University Police Department provides services 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. The agency handles 9-1-1 calls by dispatching appropriate police, fire and/or ambulance services. In addition to managing emergency situations, the department assists those on campus in salvaging keys from locked vehicles, offering crime prevention programs and supplying tools for engraving items to prevent theft.
SIUE Police also provide an escort service for employees, students and visitors. Anyone on the campuses may request to be accompanied to a vehicle or from one campus location to another by an officer.
12/18/07
Top 10 Finish For SIUE School of Pharmacy Students
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Two students from the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy recently finished among the top 10 at the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists 2007 Clinical Skills Competition in Las Vegas. Diana Jason and Mary Janet Stunson, members of the SIUE School of Pharmacy's class of 2009, competed as a team against 90 other schools from across the nation.
"To have the SIUE School of Pharmacy team make 'top 10' is a signature achievement," said SIUE School of Pharmacy Dean Philip Medon.
Most of the students in the competition were in their fourth year of pharmacy school and had the benefit of completing many of their experiential courses. The SIUE students are in their third year.
"The other deans, faculty and students at the conference were quite impressed that students from a new school of pharmacy, in their third year, made the top 10," Medon said. "We are all proud of Diana and Janet. They represented SIUE well."
The clinical skills competition marked the first time Jason and Stunson participated in a competition outside SIUE.
"Clinical skills competitions are terrific preparation for pharmacy students," said Lisa Lubsch, clinical assistant professor of pharmacy practice and faculty advisor to ASHP. "They take a real world situation and apply what they have learned in the classroom by identifying the patient's acute and chronic medical and drug therapy problems and recommending a pharmacy care plan."
12/14/07
SIUE Chosen As A 2007 Greater St. Louis Top 50 Award Recipient
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Southern Illinois University Edwardsville will be recognized as one of the 2007 Greater St. Louis Top 50 Award recipients in St. Louis Commerce magazine and honored at an awards presentation dinner Monday, Dec. 17, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Union Station. In order to be selected, companies and organizations must show significant economic and civic impact on the region.
"Receiving this award emphasizes the significance of SIUE as a powerful economic engine in the region," said Jim Pennekamp, special assistant to the Chancellor for regional economic development and director of University Park, which is an applied research and technology park on the SIUE campus. "It recognizes excellence in academic programming and a strong commitment to enriching the area and its citizens by bringing quality businesses and jobs to the region."
SIUE was one of only two universities and one college named among the Top 50, which included a list of corporations and businesses including BJC HealthCare, MasterCard Worldwide, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, the Korte Company and Maritz Inc.
The awards are presented by the St. Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association (RCGA), in collaboration with the St. Louis office of Deloitte. The Top 50 was launched in 1996 to focus on technology-related companies. The number of notable companies across all industries prompted the expansion of the program in 2004 to include the recognition of companies and organizations in all areas of business.
According to the Commerce magazine Web site, "The quality of the 120 nominees was top notch and made the selection committee's job arduous. Those selected 2007 awardees represent the best of each of their respective fields and a commitment to making the St. Louis region strong economically and civically."
Selection criteria for choosing the 2007 winners included: growth in number of employees, enhancement of the community, revenue growth, acquisitions and expansion/development of facilities.
SIUE is one of the largest employers in Madison County, with nearly 2,000 full-time employees. SIUE's total regional economic impact was $365 million in FY05. About 3,500 students live on the campus and the majority of its nearly 13,500 students live in the region, contributing to the Greater St. Louis regional economy. Additionally, more than 37,000 alumni live and work in the area, adding to the vitality of the economy.
In the past year, the American Red Cross selected SIUE's University Park as the site for a new, state-of-the-art, 170,000-square-foot centralized blood manufacturing and testing facility, which will bring more than 500 new jobs with it.
12/14/07
East St. Louis Charter School Student Wins $1,000 NAACP Scholarship
By Patricia Merritt
ESL Center Public Relations Director
(EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill.) Black people must first respect themselves before expecting others to hold them in high regard, said an SIUE East St. Louis Charter School senior. "The 'N' word is the most degrading stereotype we carry around to this day . . . ," wrote Retunda Jackson. "This word is unacceptable and unjust for anyone of any race to use."
The passage above was taken from the essay "Power Beyond Measure . . . United We Stand," which won second place in the Second Annual East St. Louis NAACP High School Senior Essay Contest, open for high school seniors throughout St. Clair County. Jackson received an NAACP Scholarship of $1,000 and a year membership to that organization..
The 17-year-old was honored recently at the 53rd Annual East St. Louis NAACP Freedom Fund Life Membership Banquet at the Millennium Hotel in St. Louis. Jackson's essay placed emphasis on ways the black community can act effectively. Jackson proposes that: "dropping the 'N' word out of our vocabulary, ending the degradation of women in rap songs and instilling better values in our children," are ways that the black community can gain power.
Also, Jackson placed importance on instilling moral values such as self-respect and self-esteem, specifically within youth. "It's time for us to teach the children that what they do not know will kill them. We should be role models, setting examples and not just giving directions."
Jackson said her essay content was inspired by a deep compassion for her community. "I like helping people, and I want to see my community get better," she said. Jackson takes that conviction personally. "I plan to be an OB-GYN, so that I can help heal African-American women."
Fortunately, Jackson is surrounded by educators who support her. "Retunda Jackson is one of the most dedicated and diligent young women that I've come to know," said Sharon Joiner, English instructor at the East St. Louis Charter School. There is a lot of promise in Jackson, according to Anthony Neal, East St. Louis Charter School principal. "Retunda is an exceptionally hard working student and is an example of what every student in the school can do when they are focused," he said. "She is willing to go the extra mile, and she has a sincere desire to be successful."
12/14/07
MCEIA Names Monsanto Employer of The Year; Nominated By SIUE's CDC
The Midwest Cooperative Education and Internship Association (MCEIA) recently honored Monsanto Corp. as the MCEIA Employer of the Year. Monsanto's Information Technology unit was nominated for the award by Yasemin Koss, associate director of the SIUE Career Development Center.
The award is given each year by MCEIA to spotlight companies who provide "best-in-class co-op and internship opportunities for college and university students throughout the Midwest." MCEIA is a nonprofit organization of employers, universities, and individuals with a goal to promote, strengthen and support cooperative education.
According to an article about the award in a Monsanto newsletter, the company has provided co-op and internship opportunities for more than 30 years but the program was "revitalized" by the company's IT unit by "taking ownership" and collaborating with Human Resources.
In her letter of nomination, Koss referred to Monsanto as a global employer that "consistently recruits seven-eight students each semester" from SIUE for the corporate IT department, "converting students to full-time placement" immediately after graduation. "The quality of Monsanto's Co-op Program is outstanding," Koss wrote. "The work environment is very relaxed and fun, which makes this experience more valuable overall."
Koss also pointed out that Monsanto has been very active at SIUE, participating in career fairs, on-campus interviews, classroom presentations to market the co-op program and its IT career opportunities.
The Monsanto newsletter article states that 55 of the 250 students who have participated in the corporate co-op program since 2002 have joined Monsanto as full-time employees. This number will increase to more than 60 "direct hires" by January, according to the article.
Koss wrote that she is very impressed with the program. "It is clear that there is much mentoring going on as students go through the Monsanto program."
Click here for a photo of Yasmin Koss (second from right) and Jean Paterson, director of the SIUE Career Development Center, with officials from Monsanto, David West and Mark Showers, who accepted the award.
12/13/07
SIUE Department of Psychology And Student Groups To Host Lecture
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Department of Psychology and some student groups are hosting An Evening with Dr. Robert J. Sternberg at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 17, in Meridian Ballroom, on the first floor of SIUE's Morris University Center.
Sternberg, former president of the American Psychological Association, is one of the top 75 "eminent psychologists" of the 20th century according to the Review of General Psychology. The SIUE department, the Psychology Club and the Psi Chi Honor Society are sponsoring the event, which will begin with a student research poster showing at 6 p.m.
Sternberg has received many academic awards throughout his career and holds eight honorary doctorates from universities around the world. He is the author of more than 1,100 journal articles, book chapters and books, and has received more than $20 million in government grants and contracts, among others, for his research.
"Sternberg is among the most highly cited researchers in the fields of psychology and psychiatry" said Bryce Sullivan, chair of the Department of Psychology. Sullivan said, "The depth and breadth of his scholarship is really astounding. His main areas of research include intelligence, creativity, wisdom and leadership.
"The faculty and students are excited about having a scholar of his reputation and acclaim giving the keynote at our department's 50th anniversary." Psychology courses were among the first offered at SIUE when it opened in 1957.
"Through this event, we hope to bring together community members, alumni, faculty, staff and students," Sullivan said. "The goal is to get more people excited about SIUE and psychology as a science."
Sternberg earned a bachelor of arts, summa cum laude, from Yale in 1972 and a doctorate at Stanford University in 1975. He has held full-time faculty positions at Yale and Harvard and acted as a consultant to such corporations as Crayola Crayons and Kimberly-Clark, and such organizations as Harper Collins College Division, Harcourt Brace Educational Development Group, Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, School Department, and the Psychological Corporation. He is currently dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at Tufts University.
Sternberg also served on the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Communications Requirement Evaluation Committee in 2005, and has acted as a
consultant to major state universities and as a reviewer of graduate programs and research for the psychology department at the University of Alberta, Canada, in 1998.
His résumé also includes a list of honorary doctorates from Tilburg University in Holland, St. Petersburg State University in Russia, the University of Durham in England, Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, Slovakia, the University of Leuven in Belgium, the University of Cyrpus, the University of Paris in France and the Complutense University in Madrid, Spain.
Attendance to the Jan. 17 event is free, but advance registration is requested. For more information, or to register, contact the SIUE Department of Psychology, (618) 650-2202, or by e-mail: psychology@siue.edu.
12/12/07
Members Of SIUE Golf Team And Coach Help Big Brothers Big Sisters
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Members of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville golf team, and Coach Kyle Viehl, recently helped Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern Illinois, which hosted a holiday party to celebrate the season.
More than 250 volunteers and children attended the event, which included a free lunch, music and crafts. Children visited with Santa Claus and received a gift card provided by the law firm SimmonsCooper LLC in East Alton.
Other businesses that contributed to the festivities included Southwestern Illinois College, Commerce Bank, DJ Tim Warren from HH Audio Services of Troy, Landshire Sandwiches in Belleville and Starbucks Coffee in Granite City. For more information about Big Brothers Big Sisters, visit www.bbbsil.org, or call (618) 398-3790.
SIUE's athletics teams participate in community programs throughout the year, said Jaci DeClue, assistant director of Intercollegiate Athletics-Compliance/Student Services. In fact, giving back to the community is a required component of participating in intercollegiate athletics, she pointed out.
"We think that it's very important that our athletes give back to the community that supports them," DeClue said. "Some of our teams give free lessons to area children, some work with community organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity and Faith in Action.
"This is a component of our CHAMPS (Challenging Athletes Minds for Personal Success) Life Skills Program."
12/11/07
Starratt Left For WSU; Also Left IT Legacy At SIUE
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) When Jay Starratt arrived at SIUE from the Carbondale campus in 1996, there were a handful of computer labs, a few "smart classrooms," the University's mainframe computer and one or two network servers.
Starratt recently left his position of associate vice chancellor for Information Technology, or OIT as it is called, and dean of Library and Information Services at Lovejoy Library, to become dean of libraries at Washington State University.
In just a dozen years at SIUE, Starratt has overseen the installation of a new digital telephone system on the Edwardsville campus, as well as in Alton and East St. Louis, turned many of the classrooms on the Edwardsville campus into "smart classrooms," created more than 20 computer labs and classrooms on campus, and developed a network with more than 200 servers."We have some 8,000 nodes (jacks) installed," Strarratt said. "We now run all sorts of things on the network not just computers-alarms and a huge adoption of Blackboard (a faculty tool to help distribute course materials) not seen at many other universities. And, we built a Faculty Technology Center to help users with the technology.
"Now, computer systems are everywhere. We run parking, the bursar's office, the ID card system, it just goes on and on, library loans, Blackboard, Luminus (a Web-based Web page creator), scheduling. There are a huge amount of things we support on the SIUE network today."
He demures at accolades and is quick to acknowledge his staff in all of the progress, but it's evident he's proud that he could help affect such change. "The new technology was coming whether we wanted it or not, but we still had to do the planning to make sure it worked efficiently," he said. "If you buy the latest gear and no one uses it, that's no good, so I've always believed in involving all the constituency groups in the planning of new services. And, we've always used the concept of sustainability in our planning-can we sustain the newest technology," Starratt pointed out.
"Some universities adopt the latest technology without having the support to sustain it. We haven't made that mistake here," Starratt said. "I don't think we've made many foolish moves. We ask what is it that people want to do with the technology and how they want to use it. No prediction 20 years ago would have been accurate of how technology would grow to what it has today. There's no way we could have seen how fast information would move as it does today."
In 1996, Starratt explained, there were a few e-mail networks operating with other "decentralized boutique operations" on campus. "Everything is centralized now. It's much more efficient," he said. A recent count showed more than 1 million e-mails came through the SIUE servers in one weekend.
Starratt points out that in some cases the newest technology has gotten ahead of the average users and that over the years OIT has taken some knocks about service. "When I first got here, all the students who brought computers on campus knew how to operate them; they knew a lot about what they were using," Starratt observed. "Nowadays that's not always the case. They want whatever they're using to work now without thinking about it."
As newer and newer technology becomes available, OIT will be challenged to keep up. "People have come to 'live on the network.' And, sometimes, the clients have an unreasonable expectation of what can be done. They want help and they want it now. The IT environment is so complicated in that it's sometimes overwhelming to keep up with it. Even so, it's still exciting.
"In 1996, when a network went down it was no big deal," Starratt said with a chuckle. "Now, a network goes down and all the work grinds to a halt pretty fast."
12/11/07
SIUE Emeritus Chancellor Werner Becomes Interim Provost At IUP
David Werner, chancellor emeritus and research professor at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, has been named interim provost and vice president of Academic Affairs at Indiana University of Pennsylvania by IUP President Tony Atwater. Werner began his duties yesterday at the university located in Indiana, Pa.
The provost and vice president for academic affairs is the chief academic officer of the institution, reports directly to the president and fulfills the duties of the president in the event he or she is absent. The provost and vice president for academic affairs also is a member of the president's senior cabinet. "Dr. Werner brings almost 30 years of academic leadership to this position, including serving as interim president of Mansfield University of Pennsylvania, as chancellor and as provost at (SIUE)," President Atwater said.
Since retiring in 2004, Werner has been active in accreditation activities and, from August 2005 to June 2006, served as interim president of Mansfield. From October to December 2004 he served as a project visiting researcher for Group Three, Local Human Resources and Public Policy Development Open Research Center at Ryukoku University in Kyoto, Japan. With many published works to his credit in the field of accreditation and management, Werner has been an active member of a number of accreditation commissions, including the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the accrediting agency for IUP's Eberly College of Business and Information Technology; the Council for Higher Education Accreditation; the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association; the American Dental Association Commission on Accreditation; the American Psychological Association Committee on Accreditation and the Association of Specialized and Professional Accreditors.
Werner served as SIUE chancellor from 1997 to 2004 and as provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs from 1987 to 1997. He also served as dean and associate dean of the SIUE School of Business. During his tenure in that position, he established the Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Production and served as its first director. He began his career as a faculty member in management information systems and in the management department of the School of Business.
Werner was project director of the program that received the 1975 Western Electric Award of the American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business for the Outstanding Innovation in Management Education. He was honored in 1999 as a Distinguished Alumnus of Saint Louis University's Institute of Technology and was named the 2001 Administrator of the Year by the State Advisory Committee to the Illinois Board of Higher Education.
He earned a bachelor's in industrial engineering at Saint Louis University and a master's and a doctorate, both at Northwestern University and both in Industrial Engineering and Management Science.
A search to fill the IUP permanent position has been launched with the assistance of R.H. Perry and Associates. Dr. Mary Ann Rafoth, dean of the College of Education and Educational Technology and Dr. Robert Davies, vice president for University Relations, will co-chair the search committee. Plans call for appointment of the Provost by May 1.
12/10/07
Toys For Tots The Real Winner In American Girl Doll Giveaway
Each year, the SIUE Bookstore holds a drawing to win an American Girl Doll, an educational toy that portrays girls during a particular era of American history. Cheryl Powley, a cashier in the Morris University Center, was determined to win this year, putting ner name in the drawing as often as possible. "Cheryl came into the store almost every day since we announced this year's contest," said Cindy Reinhardt, assistant manager of the Bookstore.
The reason? Powley wanted to win the doll to then donate it to the Toys for Tots holiday program for needy families sponsored by the U.S. Marines. Reinhardt said Powley's husband is a civilian employed by the federal government in Baghdad. "She appreciates that the Armed Forces keeps her husband safe, so she wanted to make this gesture" Reinhardt explained.
Click here for a photo of Powley with the doll and with Marine Sgt. Jason Livesay, assigned to the Marines recruiting office in Alton. At the far left is Emily Gray, manager of the Bookstore. (SIUE Photo by Denise Macdonald)
12/10/07
Physical Chemistry Students Give Poster Presentations
In preparation for their senior assignments, a prerequisite of graduation at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, students in Assistant Professor Nahid Shabestary's physical chemistry class recently made poster presentations in their labs. SIUE's senior assessment program has been cited three years in a row by U.S.News & World Report as one of the top 13 senior "capstone" programs in the country, along with much larger private schools such as Princeton, Harvard, MIT and Duke.
Below are the SIUE student presenters with their poster titles, listed by hometown. Click on the bold faced name for a photo suitable for print and download. All SIUE photos are by Bill Brinson and Denise Macdonald.
ILLINOIS
Alton: Emily Wunderlich shows her poster, "Lasting Effects of Nicotine Treatment and Withdrawal on Serotonergic Systems and Cell Signaling in Rat Brain Regions: Separate or Sequential Exposure During Fetal Development and Adulthood."
Belleville: Sean Hudson presents his poster, "Effect of Carbon/Non-Carbon Addition on Hydrogen Storage Behaviors of Magnesium Hydride."
Bethalto: Lindsey Hamilton explains her poster, "Identification of a Novel Partner in DUOX."
Centralia: Stuart Hanon shows his poster, "Direct Determination of Organophosphate Nerve Agents."
Chicago (60628): Jason Johnson explains his poster, "Neural Effects of Cocaine on Awake/Anesthetized Rats."
Chicago (60650): Miguel Magallanes shows his poster, "A Cell Nanoinjector Based on Carbon Nanotubes."
Decatur: Neha Parikh presents her poster, "Biodiesel Production Using Membrane Reactor."
Dupo: Luke Weber presents his poster, "A Metal - Organic Framework Containing Cationic Inorganic Layers: Pb 2 F 2 [C 2 H 4 (SO 3 ) 2 ]."
Edwardsville: Koby Kizzire shows his poster, "Efficient Metabolic Engineering of GM3 on Tumor Cells by N-Phemylacetyl-D-Mannosamine."
Fieldon: Michael Scott explains his poster, "Use of poly(ethylene glycol) to Increase the Ethanol Production of Softwood Lignocellulose Through Enzyme Activity."
Freeburg: Benjamin Harris presents his poster, "Application of Caffeine, 1,3,7-trimethylxanthine, to control Escherichia coli O157:H7."
Granite City: Rachel Harris explains her poster, "Evaluation of the Formation and Stability of Hydroxyalkylsulfonic Acids in Wine." Kenneth Rodgers shows his poster, "Intramolecular Trapping of an Intermediate in the Reduction of Imines by a Hydroxycyclopentadienyl." Derek Rensing presents his poster, "Flavonoid and Hydroxycinnimate Profiles of English Apple Ciders."
New Baden: Nichole Kraetsch shows her poster, "Expression of E. coli araBAD operon encoding enzymes for metabolizing L-arabinose in Saccharomyces cervisiae."
Shiloh: Cameron Whitney presents her poster, "MALDI-based Imaging Mass Spectrometry Revealed Abnormal Distribution of Phospholipids in Colon Cancer Liver Metastasis."
Springfield: Nathan McGee explains his poster, "Variation of the Barcoding Gene COI for Use in Forensic Genetic Species Identification." Ashia Small presents her poster, "Arsenic Speciation in Urine from Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia Patients Undergoing Arsenic Trioxide Treatment."
Sterling: Derek Poci presents his poster, "Heteronuclear Macrocyclic Iron - Copper Complex Catalyst Covalently Bonded to Modifies Alumina Catalyst for Oxidation of Cyclohexane."
Troy: Lynn Kelly presents her poster, "Evidence for DNA charge transport in the nucleus."
Waterloo: Elise Mullins explains her poster, "Evolutionary Analysis of HIV-1 Protease Inhibitors: Methods for Design of Inhibitors that Evade Resistance."
Worden: Daniel Banks shows his poster, "Transformation of Aluminosilicate Wet Gel to Solid State."
MISSOURI
Ballwin: Michael Mueller presented his poster, "Diastereoselective Synthesis of y-lactams by a One-Pot, Four-Component Reaction."
OTHER STATES
Iowa
Dallas Center: Sarah Beavers explains her poster, "Morphological Changes in Human Head Hair Subjected to Various Drug Testing Decontamination Strategies."
12/7/07
November And December Employees Of The Month
November photo by Bill Brinson; December photo by Denise Macdonald
Congratulations: The November recipient of the Employee Recognition Award is Patricia Apponey (second from right), secretary in the Office of Dining Services. She is shown here with Ann Emmanuel (at far right),who nominated her, and her supervisor, Lori Schneider, specialist in Dining Services. She also is shown with Kenneth Neher, vice chancellor for Administration, who presented the award. In addition to the plaque she received, Apponey was awarded a $25 gift certificate to the SIUE Bookstore, a parking spot close to her office for one month, and two complimentary lunch coupons to the University Restaurant. (SIUE Photo by Bill Brinson)
Congratulations: The December recipient of the Employee Recognition Award is Gloria Hartmann, manager in the Office of the Registrar. She is shown in the photo with Vice Chancellor Neher, who presented her the award. In addition to the plaque she received, Hartmann was awarded a $25 gift certificate to the SIUE Bookstore and two complimentary lunch coupons to the University Restaurant. Gloria will retire Jan. 1 after more than 23 years of service. (SIUE Photo by Bill Brinson)
12/7/07
SIUE Graduate School Open House Draws Over 200 Prospects
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) More than 200 prospective students recently attended two graduate school open house events at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
"We had students come in from as far away as Oregon, Ohio and Indiana," said Karen Bollinger, assistant director of admissions and academic marketing, and the open house coordinator.
A total of 48 of those who attended the day of events applied for admission to graduate school on the spot, Bollinger said, adding that attendees received information about the University's 65 graduate programs available through the College of Arts and Sciences and the schools of business, education, engineering and nursing, as well as financial aid opportunities.
SIUE moved into the top 10 of the Top Public Universities Midwest-Master's category, according to the 2008 U.S.News and World Report rankings. Moving up nine positions in the Midwest-Master's ranking, among public and private universities since last year, no Illinois public university ranked higher than SIUE. Rankings are based on several criteria, including a peer assessment by university administrators.
The graduate school admission application deadline for spring 2008 is Dec. 14. For more information contact the Office of Admissions, (618) 650-3705.
Individuals can pay the $30 application fee and apply online at www.siue.edu/graduate.
12/7/07
Mother of Seven Prepares To Graduate From SIUE School of Nursing
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) When Roslind Harper had her first child at the age of 16, people said she would never achieve her educational dreams.
Twenty-three years and a total of seven children later, 39-year-old Harper, of Shiloh, will graduate from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville on Dec. 15 with a bachelor of science in nursing and a bachelor of arts in liberal studies. It has taken her many years of sacrifice and strength to achieve her goal, but Harper maintains it has been worth every second.
"When I had my first child when I was 16, going on 17, I wasn't able to finish high school," she said. "I felt like I would never finish. And I was told my life was over and I'd never be able to do anything."
Harper said her faith also has guided her along her life journey. She remembers a woman coming in to her hospital room after the birth of her first child, talking to her about the future. The woman encouraged her to enroll in a program in Chicago called ChildServ. Through the program, the teenager earned her general education degree (GED) and was able to apply to college.
"She was an angel sent to encourage me," Harper said. "I don't know this lady's name, but to this day I still cry when I think about her. I stuck to my guns and whenever I heard something negative from someone around me, I would spin it and turn it into a positive." One of the negative things that still sticks in her mind is what she was told by a university admissions counselor: "When I was 18 or 19, I went to this college and talked to a counselor about classes I'd need to take. My baby was with me. He said, 'Why don't you go to a community college. You won't be able to make it here with a baby.' That really hurt my feelings.
"I just kept my head up and kept going."
In fact, Harper pressed on and said that her children-Krystal, 23, Katrina, 19, Katrice, 16, Kayanna, 9, Karis, 7, Isaiah, 4, and London, 2-have been a constant source of inspiration and strength. "They were the ones who really sacrificed," she said.
Now a grandmother of one-a one-year-old granddaughter who lives with her mother, Krystal, and Krystal's husband in Newport News, Va.-Harper said she plans to begin a correspondence master's program through the University of Cincinnati, where she plans to study women's health and become a nurse practitioner.
"I see myself working with young women like me," she said. "I did have a baby early. I did hear from everyone that having kids would not allow me to go further in life and my life was ruined and over.
"It is hard, but the sacrifice is worth it in the end. Don't give up. It's not the end of the world." The children's father also has been a source of support and encouragement for Harper, who said he has helped in many ways. She added that he and her children will be attending the graduation ceremony.
"Having children might slow you down, but you just have to pace yourself," said Harper, who always wanted a large family. "The little one is there," she said. "Enjoy the little ones while you can and do the best you can. Look for positives and look for people who will support you and get you through it."
Harper, who was born in Germany to a military family, traveled a great deal during her early years, attending grade school and high school in Chicago and living in Minnesota. She has been in the St. Louis area since 2000. While attending SIUE full time since spring 2005, Harper, who already has two associates' degrees-one in nursing-has worked as a nurse on contracts with Scott AFB. "In all, it's taken me 10 years to get a four-year degree, because I had to work and care for my family," she said. "But I am here to tell you that it can be done."
12/5/07
SIUE, Mackey Mitchell Team Wins Second Phase Of National Competition
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) A state-of-the-art concept for a university residence hall, designed by SIUE Housing staff and students and Mackey Mitchell Architects of St. Louis, is among five finalists in the second phase of the 21st Century Project Design Showcase competition sponsored by the Association of College and University Housing Officers-International (ACUHO-I). The five finalists will present their designs to a jury on Feb. 1 in St. Petersburg, Fla.
In the 2006 competition, the same team received two prestigious awards from the association-the Compelling Commitment to Community Award and the People's Choice Award, voted by the audience. At the time, Housing Director Mike Schultz said SIUE's entry in the competition was unique. "I think it is a great honor for SIUE to be the only higher education institution to compete and be so successful in the competition."
After competing as a finalist in the first 21st Century Project Design Showcase in January 2006, the team of students and housing officials from SIUE and architects from Mackey Mitchell once again joined forces for the competition. With the recent news, Schultz said "again this year we were the only university to submit a concept and to be chosen as a finalist. We were able to expand our concept from the first phase of the competition and enhance our product for this phase of the competition," Schultz said.
"Our collaboration with Mackey Mitchell and the expertise of its architects has been a great learning experience for all those involved." Mackey Mitchell is known nationwide for its expertise in providing student housing to campuses including Emory University, The University of Notre Dame, Washington University in St. Louis, and the University of Cincinnati.
Concepts for this newest phase of the competition were submitted focusing on the "block and neighborhood" of a residence hall community, defined by the interaction of the students and the relationship between public and private spaces, and how those concepts foster social and academic activity. Each contestant was challenged to incorporate sustainable features, finding creative uses of technology as it relates to both the social and academic component of the residence hall and a flexible, multi-use of space.
Finalists will make a presentation Feb. 1 before a nine-member jury-consisting of one university chief financial officer, one university student affairs officer, one student representative, two industry design professionals, one university chief academic officer, one university chief housing officer, and two architects and/or campus planners. The winning design team will be awarded a cash prize of $25,000 and its design concept will be featured in the ACUHO-I Talking Stick magazine. The winner also will make a special presentation at the 2008 ACUHO-I Annual Conference and Exposition, June 21-24.
In addition to creating one or more prototype residential facilities on several campuses, the 21st Century Project will assist colleges and universities in designing new residential facilities that reflect the everchanging roles that residences play in the collegiate experience.
12/5/07
Penn Scholar Calls For Change In Higher Ed.; Parents Can Help
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The fate of higher education rests in the hands of university and college administrators, K-12 educators and parents of potential college students, according to Robert Zemsky, who recently served on a U.S. Department of Education task force and who will be speaking at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville on Jan. 16.
He will speak at 7 p.m. that Wednesday in SIUE's Meridian Ballroom as part of the University's year-long 50th Anniversary Celebration. His presentation, "Dancing with Change and Other Strategies for Transforming American Higher Education," will discuss the findings of Education Secretary Margaret Spellings Commission Report, "A Test of Leadership: Charting the Future of Higher Education," and why he believes the report fell short of its mission.
"What the Commission provided was an important set of clues as to why higher education seems so impervious to change and what an enlightened public might do to enable reform and encourage transformation," Zemsky explained in a recent interview. "The trouble with the recommendations of the Spellings Commission is that they are very general and they never say who's going to do what."
Zemsky, a professor of Education at the University of Pennsylvania and founding director of Penn's Institute for Research on Higher Education, also is chair of The Learning Alliance for Higher Education, an experiment in bringing strategic expertise to university and college presidents. With a bachelor's from Whittier College and a doctorate in history from Yale, Zemsky's areas of expertise include higher education and policy reform, missions and markets of higher education and college choice. He is a former Woodrow Wilson Fellow and a Post-Doctoral Social Science Research Council Fellow in Linguistics and later became chair of that Council's Committee on Social Science Personnel. In 1998 he received a Doctor of Humane Letters (Hon.) at Towson University.
"We need a 'system-changing' strategy, Zemsky said. "In the past, a few institutions would lead the way and the rest would follow, but it turns out no one follows anymore. Now, everyone wants to stay in the middle of the pack; make sure you're above average with your peer schools. It's created a logjam and what we need are 'dislodging' events that will shake up the entire system."
Zemsky agreed that his Jan. 16 appearance at SIUE will appeal to more than higher education administrators. He encourages K-12 educators and administrators to attend as well as parents of potential college students. He proposes at least two solutions. "I would like to see a total change in federal financial aid to higher ed.," he said. "We spend some $190 billion annually in federal financial aid. Let's divide up that money and give every sixth grader in America a 529 (tax deferred savings) plan. It would not be more expensive then what we do now and we could replace federal aid." Zemsky said this plan would also encourage children and parents to begin considering college early on and preparing for that outcome.
The Commission report found higher education has become complacent, refusing to change and eventually has taken a back seat to higher education systems in other countries. The Commission points out that graduates in other nations have become superior to their counterparts in the United States. "Unacceptable numbers of (US) college graduates enter the workforce without the skills employers say they need in an economy where … knowledge matters more than ever," the report finds.
Although he signed off on the report, Zemsky and a few of the commission members have said that the report did not go far enough. "There were a lot of feel-good points, but no real solutions to some very real problems," Zemsky said. "The chairman of the Spellings Commission believed you had to vilify higher education to get them to change but that won't work. If you want change, you have to work toward it and not throw bricks.
"The other dimension is to recognize that big changes must occur in middle school and high school. We can talk all we want about change in higher education, but if they aren't coupled with big changes in essentially what is the supply chain, nothing's going to happen because we have a market economy with student consumers who aren't smart shoppers.
"If you're going to have change in a market economy you need smart shoppers," Zemsky said. He used the analogy of the U.S automobile market in the 1950s. "We would go down to the local dealership and buy whatever Uncle Harry was selling that week. American automakers were more interested in changing styles, enlarging the fins. Then, along came the Japanese with alternate engineering and they moved ahead in global market share.
"By the 1970s, with the help of Consumer Reports and Consumers Union, we finally learned how to become smart shoppers for automobiles. It took awhile, but we learned. You'll need that kind of education to begin as early as grade school and middle school to effect change in higher education."
If higher education does nothing, Zemsky predicts that in 25 to 50 years there will be 60 or so of the biggest schools operating the same as they are today, while smaller schools would become "for-profit" institutions. "Many colleges and universities will become like the mom and pop hardware stores who couldn't survive the arrival of the big box stores," Zemsky explained. "The small stores became part of the TrueValue chain and they now offer very specific products at reasonable prices but there's nothing unique about any of the stores," he said.
"In presenting my own answers to these questions what I hope to offer is an invitation to dance with change, to engage in a measured process of reform and rejuvenation that will secure for American higher education the same prominence and dependability in the future that it has enjoyed over the past five decades and more."
12/5/07
SIUE School of Education Awarded Federal Grant For Writing Project
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Education is resurrecting the local arm of a national project aimed at addressing the needs of teachers of writing.
The Piasa Bluffs Writing Project, formerly the Mississippi Valley Writing Project, which was directed by SIUE Education faculty from 1982 to 1995, will be reintroduced in the area and among 200 sites of the National Writing Project (NWP) across the country. The School received a $30,000 federal grant for the project, which was matched with institutional support by SIUE.
The NWP is a professional development network for teachers of writing at all grade levels, in all subjects. The organization's purpose is to promote student achievement by improving the teaching of writing, thus positively influencing learning in the nation's schools.
"The Piasa Bluffs Writing Project has been reinstated and reformulated to address the local and national needs of local teachers of writing at all grade levels-primary through university-and in all subjects," said Ralph Cordova, director of the project and assistant professor of curriculum and instruction in the School.
"This summer, and every summer thereafter, through our Invitational Summer Institute, the Piasa Bluffs Writing Project will recruit, train and support up to 20 exemplary teachers who are nominated from their districts, who then, in turn will act as consultant and teacher leaders for our local writing project to offer professional development experiences and workshops to the teachers and school districts in our service area."
Attendees of the Invitational Summer Institute will take part in a four-week intensive training program, with a focus on educating educators about high-quality, theoretically and research-based, professional development in the teaching of writing, reading and interdisciplinary-based learning. This information then is designed specifically to meet the needs of local school districts, Cordova said.
For more information about the Mississippi River Bluffs Writing Project, visit http://www.siue.edu/piasabluffswritingproject or e-mail Cordova: rcordov@siue.edu.
12/4/07
AT&T Announces Gift To SIUE School of Nursing
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Thanks to the generosity of AT&T Inc., students in the SIUE School of Nursing's Student Nurse Achievement Program (SNAP) will have brand new laptops this spring semester. The organization gave the School $13,500 to purchase the laptops, which will be given to students who have been identified to take part in SNAP.
Representatives from AT&T recently held a news conference on campus to honor the School of Nursing, as well as the Madison County Arts Council, which received a $6,000 grant for technological advancements to enhance its office management.
12/1/07
SIUE Holiday Tree Reflects Special People This Holiday Season
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) A campus group is making it simple to honor or remember a special person this Holiday season. For a minimum of $5, the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's Religious Center is offering a lighted bulb to honor a special person on its seasonal tree, as part of its annual holiday tree campaign.
Launched during the 2004 Holiday season, the campaign is a way for the Religious Center to raise money to keep offering its programs and services to students at no charge. Students can enjoy free hot coffee, hot tea and hot chocolate Monday through Friday, as well as quiet rooms to study. Free soup, bread and deserts also are available to students Monday-Thursday of finals weeks.
The Religious Center is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Donations can be made during a visit to the dome building adjacent to visitors' parking lot B, or mailed to the University Religious Center, SIUE Box 1059, Edwardsville, IL 62026-1059. Contribution forms can be printed from the Religious Center Web site, http://www.siue/edu/RELIGION. For more information, contact the Center, (618) 650-3246.
12/1/07
SIUE/SIUC Engineering Schools To Start Cooperative Program
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) A cooperative agreement offering a doctoral program in engineering science through the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Engineering and the College of Engineering at SIU Carbondale will begin during spring semester.
A doctorate in engineering science-encompassing areas of specialization in civil, electrical, computer and mechanical engineering-would open several doors of opportunity for a graduate, according to Oktay Alkin, associate dean for research and development for the SIUE School of Engineering. "Graduates will be sought highly by universities, research laboratories and engineering companies," Alkin pointed out.
The program, created last year with a "memorandum of understanding" between SIUE and SIUC, recognizes SIUE as a residency center for the doctoral program at Carbondale, said Hasan Sevim, dean of the SIUE School of Engineering. "This is a great opportunity that will allow our faculty to engage in more externally funded research, publish in prestigious journals, and more importantly provide continuity in research with doctoral students being available longer than master's students," Sevim said.
Patrick Solt, a computer engineering major at SIUE, is the first student to enroll in the cooperative program. Solt has been provided with an academic advisor at SIUE who will chair a dissertation committee that consists of faculty from both campuses. The School of Engineering recently has launched a campaign to recruit for the program and inquiries already have been received from domestic and international students.
To begin, two courses taught by SIUC engineering faculty will be made available to SIUE graduate students by videoconference for Spring Semester. Engineering faculty at SIUE will return the favor in future semesters by making courses available to students in Carbondale.
Alkin explained that it will be possible for a student to complete the requirements of the degree without leaving Edwardsville, if that's what the student prefers. "The ability to complete the program in Edwardsville makes it very attractive for professionals employed in the St. Louis Metropolitan Area," he said.
John Nicklow, associate dean of SIUC's College of Engineering and director of the engineering science doctoral program, said the program will bring together more than 100 engineering faculty from both campuses. "This is a significant intellectual compilation that will benefit doctoral students and boost research capacity in both institutions," Nicklow said.
For more information about the cooperative program, contact Alkin, (618) 650-2541, or by e-mail: oalkin@siue.edu. Details of the program, including application materials and instructions, also are available through the Web: http://www.siue.edu/engineering/phd.
12/1/07
Kansas State Distinguished Professor To Speak Dec. 5 At SIUE
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Christopher Sorensen, University Distinguished Professor in the Departments of Physics and Chemistry at Kansas State University, will be the 12th William C. Shaw Memorial Lecturer on Dec. 5 at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
Speaking about "Fire, Fractals and the Divine Proportion," Sorenson will appear at 7:30 p.m. that Wednesday in the theater of SIUE's Dunham Hall. The Shaw Lecture has been presented by the SIUE Department of Physics since its inception in the 1980s. Admission is free and open to the public, but seating is limited. Tickets will be distributed at the door beginning at 6:45 p.m.
Sorensen, who also holds the University Distinguished Teaching Scholar Chair at KSU, researches particulate systems and soft matter physics. He has written more than 210 papers and holds five patents. In 2003, he won the David Sinclair Award of the American Association Aerosol Research for his work on aerosol fractal aggregates and light scattering, and he is currently serving as president of that organization.
Earlier this year, Sorensen was named the CASE/Carnegie Foundation National Professor of the Year for doctoral granting institutions. He also has won many teaching awards at KSU, and has introduced the "New Studio" method for instruction, integration of readings of the great scientists into the lowest-level, non-STEM physics course, and a summer workshop for teenage girls to give them mechanical skills relevant to science and engineering.
A native of Omaha, Sorensen received a bachelor of science in physics in 1969 at the University of Nebraska. After a tour of duty in Vietnam with the U. S. Army, Sorensen earned a doctorate in physics in 1977 at the University of Colorado.
Shaw was a dedicated physicist and educator long associated with SIUE, where he was professor of physics from 1959-1973 and professor emeritus until his death in 1977. After his death, Shaw's family and friends established the William C. Shaw Memorial Fund at SIUE, proceeds from which funded the construction of the Shaw Skylab on the north end of campus, used by students and keeping alive Shaw's love of teaching astronomy. The lecture series also is supported by the fund. For more information, call the SIUE Department of Physics, (618) 650-2472.
November 2007
·Enterprise Foundation Funds Second Year Of SIUE Business Recognition Program
·Kansas State Distinguished Professor To Speak Dec. 5 At SIUE
·Cast Photos For Every Angel
·School Of Engineering Agrees To Explore Cooperation With Henan University
SIUE Is Serious About Its Commitment To The Future
· A Season For The Child Continues With The Ant & The Grasshopper
·SIUE Associate Professor Of Engineering Wins Emerson Award
· Southwestern Illinois Entrepreneurship Center at SIUE Hosts A Seat At The Diner
· WPA Annual Pottery Sale Set For Nov. 30-Dec. 1 At SIUE
·SIUE Civil Service Organization Donates Proceeds To Staff Senate Scholarship Fund
SIUE Business, History Professors Named 2007-08 Fulbright Scholars
·'Finding Truth' Is Topic Of Nov. 28 WoRKS Dialogue
·Upcoming Hot City Theatre Offering Directed By SIUE Emeritus Professor
· SIUE Gamma Delta Receives National 2007 Chapter Service Award
· SIUE Graduate Student Investigates Robots For Harvesting Energy
· SIUE Graduate Student Challenges Americans To Define "Home"
· Graduate Programs Highlighted At SIUE Open House
·Improvisational Work Created By Students, Renowned Director
·Redmond To Be Feted At Retirement/Birthday Celebration Nov. 28
·Changes
·SIUE Madrigal Dinner Set For Nov. 28
·SIUE Graduate Learns Of Winning Prize For Work Overseas
·Foundation Board Welcomes Four New Members
· Nominations, Entries Sought for MLK Jr. Awards
·Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Comes To SIUE Nov. 30 For Arts & Issues
·BOT Approves Two Projects, Bleacher Purchase For SIU Edwardsville
· SIUE To Host 36th Annual Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair
·Smoking Cessation Program Presented By Health Ed. Students
·SIUE Jazz Studies Alumni To Perform With The SIUE Jazz Bands
· SIUE Student Is 2007 Lincoln Academy Student Laureate
· SIUE Pharmacy Assistant Professor Is National Award Recipient
· SIUE Speakers Series To Address Middle East Misunderstandings
·Fall Staff Senate Scholars Announced
·SIUE School of Education Grant Program Receives Additional Funds
·Noted Philosopher To Speak At Statewide Conference Hosted By SIUE
·SIUE Construction Team Takes Second In Regional Competition
·CDB Head Visits Campus; Touts $25 Billion Capital Bill
· SIUE Ranked Among Princeton Review's 290 Best Business Schools
·Dance In Concert To Feature Piece Inspired By Trip To Cuba
11/30/07
SIUE/SIUC Engineering Schools To Start Cooperative Program
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) A cooperative agreement offering a doctoral program in engineering science through the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Engineering and the College of Engineering at SIU Carbondale will begin during spring semester.
A doctorate in engineering science-encompassing areas of specialization in civil, electrical, computer and mechanical engineering-would open several doors of opportunity for a graduate, according to Oktay Alkin, associate dean for research and development for the SIUE School of Engineering. "Graduates will be sought highly by universities, research laboratories and engineering companies," Alkin pointed out.
The program, created last year with a "memorandum of understanding" between SIUE and SIUC, recognizes SIUE as a residency center for the doctoral program at Carbondale, said Hasan Sevim, dean of the SIUE School of Engineering. "This is a great opportunity that will allow our faculty to engage in more externally funded research, publish in prestigious journals, and more importantly provide continuity in research with doctoral students being available longer than master's students," Sevim said.
Patrick Solt, a computer engineering major at SIUE, is the first student to enroll in the cooperative program. Solt has been provided with an academic advisor at SIUE who will chair a dissertation committee that consists of faculty from both campuses. The School of Engineering recently has launched a campaign to recruit for the program and inquiries already have been received from domestic and international students.
To begin, two courses taught by SIUC engineering faculty will be made available to SIUE graduate students by videoconference for Spring Semester. Engineering faculty at SIUE will return the favor in future semesters by making courses available to students in Carbondale.
Alkin explained that it will be possible for a student to complete the requirements of the degree without leaving Edwardsville, if that's what the student prefers. "The ability to complete the program in Edwardsville makes it very attractive for professionals employed in the St. Louis Metropolitan Area," he said.
John Nicklow, associate dean of SIUC's College of Engineering and director of the engineering science doctoral program, said the program will bring together more than 100 engineering faculty from both campuses. "This is a significant intellectual compilation that will benefit doctoral students and boost research capacity in both institutions," Nicklow said.
For more information about the cooperative program, contact Alkin, (618) 650-2541, or by e-mail: oalkin@siue.edu. Details of the program, including application materials and instructions, also are available through the Web: http://www.siue.edu/engineering/phd.
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is proud to celebrate its 50th Anniversary and first half century of excellence. The University has grown from 1,776 students in 1957 to nearly 13,500 students today. SIUE is a catalyst for the cultural and intellectual vitality and economic development of Southwestern Illinois and the greater St. Louis region.
11/28/07
Enterprise Foundation Funds Second Year Of SIUE Business Recognition Program
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) For the second year, the Enterprise Rent-A-Car Foundation is funding an incentive program for the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Business, recognizing students who are active in one of the School's 16 student organizations.
The Enterprise Rent-A-Car Student Award will acknowledge and honor the work and dedication of student participants in these student organizations.
Through a competitive selection process, the Student Organization Award, which includes a $2,000 stipend for first place, will be awarded to the outstanding student organization for the year. In addition, each month, the Student Organization Leader of the Month Award will be presented to an outstanding student within one of the School's student organizations. They will be recognized with a $50 stipend and certificate.
A recognition program will be held at the end of the academic year to honor all student participants and to provide the opportunity for these students to network with Enterprise Rent-A-Car executives.
In the 2006-07 academic year, Emerging Leaders Influencing Things Everywhere won the 2007 Student Organization Award. The 2007 Student Organization Leader of the Month Awards went to: Michael Ulrich, Timothy Jones, Michele Carpenter, Lindsey Walters, Victoria Harris, Allison Olden, Leslie Jones and Nikki Grasshoff.
Since 1975, the SIUE School of Business has been among an elite 10 percent of business schools worldwide that have earned the prestigious seal of approval from The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International). AACSB International accreditation assures that students are receiving the highest quality standards relating to strategic management of resources, interaction of faculty and students within the educational process, and achievement of learning goals in degree programs.
SIUE's accountancy program also is accredited through AACSB. Less than 33 percent of AACSB-accredited business schools hold an accounting accreditation.
11/28/07
Kansas State Distinguished Professor To Speak Dec. 5 At SIUE
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Christopher Sorensen, University Distinguished Professor in the Departments of Physics and Chemistry at Kansas State University, will be the 12th William C. Shaw Memorial Lecturer on Dec. 5 at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
Speaking about "Fire, Fractals and the Divine Proportion," Sorenson will appear at 7:30 p.m. that Wednesday in the theater of SIUE's Dunham Hall. The Shaw Lecture has been presented by the SIUE Department of Physics since its inception in the 1980s. Admission is free and open to the public, but seating is limited. Tickets will be distributed at the door beginning at 6:45 p.m.
Sorensen, who also holds the University Distinguished Teaching Scholar Chair at KSU, researches particulate systems and soft matter physics. He has written more than 210 papers and holds five patents. In 2003, he won the David Sinclair Award of the American Association Aerosol Research for his work on aerosol fractal aggregates and light scattering, and he is currently serving as president of that organization.
Earlier this year, Sorensen was named the CASE/Carnegie Foundation National Professor of the Year for doctoral granting institutions. He also has won many teaching awards at KSU, and has introduced the "New Studio" method for instruction, integration of readings of the great scientists into the lowest-level, non-STEM physics course, and a summer workshop for teenage girls to give them mechanical skills relevant to science and engineering.
A native of Omaha, Sorensen received a bachelor of science in physics in 1969 at the University of Nebraska. After a tour of duty in Vietnam with the U. S. Army, Sorensen earned a doctorate in physics in 1977 at the University of Colorado.
Shaw was a dedicated physicist and educator long associated with SIUE, where he was professor of physics from 1959-1973 and professor emeritus until his death in 1977. After his death, Shaw's family and friends established the William C. Shaw Memorial Fund at SIUE, proceeds from which funded the construction of the Shaw Skylab on the north end of campus, used by students and keeping alive Shaw's love of teaching astronomy. The lecture series also is supported by the fund.
For more information, call the SIUE Department of Physics, (618) 650-2472.
11/27/07
Cast Photos For Every Angel
The world premiere of Every Angel, a work created by internationally renowned improvisational technique artist Randy Dixon and an ensemble of SIUE theater students, opens at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 29 in SIUE's James F. Metcalf Theater and continues at that curtain time through Dec. 1, and at the same time Dec. 6 through 8, then at 2 p.m. Sundays, Dec. 2 and 9. Chuck Harper, director of theater performance for the department, assisted Dixon and the performers in creating this exciting piece of improvisational theater. Dixon is artistic director for Seattle's Unexpected Productions. For information or to purchase tickets, call the SIUE Fine Arts box office, ext. 2774, or visit the department's Web site for more information: www.siue.edu/THEATER.
11/27/07
School Of Engineering Agrees To Explore Cooperation With Henan University
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) A delegation from Henan University of Science and Technology- located in Luoyang, Henan Province, the People's Republic of China-has signed a preliminary agreement with the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Engineering to explore cooperation in the areas of joint research, faculty exchange and student exchange.
The delegation was on campus recently to meet with Professor Keqin Gu, chair of the SIUE Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Engineering Dean Hasan Sevim and SIUE Provost Paul Ferguson. Henan's President Wang Jianji also met with SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift to sign a preliminary memorandum of understanding (MOU).
In addition to Wang, the delegation consisted of Zhou Xiejian, a professor of mechanical engineering, and Zhong Qinglun, the deputy director of the school's foreign affairs office. In addition to SIUE's top administrators, the delegation visited with Engineering associate deans Brad Noble and Oktay Alkin, department chairs and a group of about 10 Engineering faculty.
Gu said SIUE faculty were enthusiastic about the possibility of cooperation with Henan University. "They feel that such international cooperation is very important in a globalized world," Gu said. "They look forward to the new opportunities this may bring."
11/27/07
SIUE Is Serious About Its Commitment To The Future
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is serious about its commitment to the next 50 years. To prove it, the Department of Marketing and Communications has been using paper consisting of a high percentage of postconsumer waste (pcw) fiber for its 50th Anniversary projects.
This is one step in the right direction when it comes to implementing sustainable initiatives, said Heather Kniffel, SIUE's manager of marketing and communications. Kniffel oversees the SIUE graphic design office.
"We use paper; it is unavoidable," Kniffel said. "Any way we can cut down on the use of energy and resources when we use paper makes us more responsible and we are proud to support responsible use of forest resources."
Kniffel explained that Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification is critical to deciding what type of paper to use. FSC certification means the paper has been tracked throughout the paper-making and printing processes to ensure that it is made following the most sustainable practices currently available. FSC is an international nonprofit organization that was established in 1993 to slow global climate change, and protect old growth forests and indigenous groups.
For one project, a total of 1,000 copies of a 12-page program for the 50th Anniversary convocation ceremony were printed. FSC certified paper was used, saving nearly six trees, and preventing the creation of 551 pounds of net greenhouse gasses, the consumption of more than 4.2 million BTUs of energy, 2,528 gallons of wastewater flow and just over 17 pounds of waterborne waste.
The department also chose paper that was produced by the use of emission-free wind-generated electricity, which saved 286 pounds of air emissions and 681 cubic feet of natural gas from being used.
The combined benefit is equal to an individual not driving 310 miles or someone planting 19 trees.
Kniffel said from this point on, SIUE's annual, high-level publications will use PCW paper and be FSC certified. Such projects include the Chancellor's report, as well as the deans' reports, which are communications that highlight special programs and opportunities available through each of the schools-pharmacy, engineering, business and nursing-and the university's annual foundation publication.
"As professionals in educational graphic design and marketing, we have the ability to lead our profession by making informed choices and being good environmental stewards," Kniffel said. "The choices we make today can have a positive impact on the environment tomorrow."
11/26/07
A Season For The Child Continues With The Ant & The Grasshopper
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) A Season for the Child (SfC), the family-oriented live theater season sponsored by the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Friends of Theater and Dance (FOTAD) and TheBANK of Edwardsville, continues its 19th season with The Ant and The Grasshopper on Saturday, Dec. 1.
The annual holiday program features two performances-at 2 and 7 p.m.-both in the theater in SIUE's Katherine Dunham Hall. FOTAD offers its holiday show twice Dec. 1 to accommodate those families that are busy during the holidays.
SfC features professional theater troupes from St. Louis staging adaptations of various children's stories, using interactive techniques that not only delight children and parents, but also provide a learning experience. Presented by the Imaginary Theatre Company of St. Louis (ITC), the touring arm of the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, this musical adaptation of the familiar and delightful fairytale based on Aesop's fable reveals a musical moral about sacrificing now to prepare for an uncertain future.
FOTAD, a support group for the SIUE Department of Theater and Dance, uses the proceeds to help fund merit awards for talented SIUE theater and dance students. Each year, the organization awards some $5,000 in merit scholarships to qualified students. FOTAD also funds scholarships for new freshmen entering the theater and dance program.
Tickets are $5 per person and are available through the SIUE Fine Arts box office, (618) 650-2774. Other productions during the 2007-08 season include Goldilocks and the Three Bears, at 7 p.m. Jan. 26; and A Midsummer Night's Dream … In the Wink of an Eye, at 7 on March 29.
11/26/07
SIUE Associate Professor Of Engineering Wins Emerson Award
Bradley Noble, associate professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and associate dean of the School of Engineering at SIUE, recently won an Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award. Noble received the award at a ceremony at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Clayton, Mo.
"Since joining SIUE in 1996, Dr. Noble has consistently received outstanding comments from students in his classes,"said Hasan Sevim, dean of the School. "On course evaluations, students compliment him on his teaching style, enthusiasm, and showing them how they can apply the theory they are learning." Sevim also pointed out that Noble won the SIUE Excellence in Teaching Award earlier this year. The award is the highest accolade a teacher can receive at the University.
"It is very rewarding to help students cultivate and develop their own passion for the subject," Noble said. "I try to keep in touch with my students after they graduate and when they tell me that I have been a positive influence in their life, it is the best part of my job. It is a real honor to receive this award and be recognized by the community." Noble resides in Jersey County with his wife Penny, and their two children.
The Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award Program annually recognizes 100 pre-school through higher education teachers throughout the St. Louis region for their vital role in shaping students' lives. Recipients are chosen for outstanding contributions to the teaching profession and to the students they teach. Winners of the award were formally honored at the ceremony where each honoree received an engraved Tiffany crystal apple.
11/21/07
Southwestern Illinois Entrepreneurship Center at SIUE Hosts A Seat At The Diner
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Southwestern Illinois Entrepreneurship Center at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, the Academy of Science-St. Louis and the Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois will host an informational seminar and panel discussion titled A Seat at the Diner: Entrepreneurial Issues in Food Sustainability.
The event, which will start at 6:30 p.m. and conclude with a reception at 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 6, will take place in the Technology and Management Center in SIUE's University Park, 245 S. Research Drive.
"Across the country, demand for sustainable, specialty, organic and locally grown foods is on the rise," said Kristine Jarden, director of the Entrepreneurship Center. "Surfacing from this demand is a socioeconomic model for food systems where newer niche, value-added and local markets are staking their claim alongside the more conventional, commodities-oriented food and agricultural markets."
Speakers will include Mildred Mattfeldt-Beman, associate professor and chair of the Saint Louis University Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Jack Erisman, former president of the Illinois Sustainable Agriculture Network and the Erisman Farm, which is Illinois' largest organic farm, and Darlene Knipe, extension specialist for marketing and business development for the University of Illinois Extension.
The seminar is free and open to the public. Advanced registration is recommended. For more information, or to register, contact Jarden, (618) 650-2166, or, kpolo@siue.edu.
11/19/07
WPA Annual Pottery Sale Set For Nov. 30-Dec. 1 At SIUE
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Wagner Potters Association will conduct its 36th Annual Pottery and Glass Sale from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30, and from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, in the atrium lobby of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Art and Design Building.
Parking is available in Lot B (attendant parking) east of the Art and Design Building. Items for sale will include pieces created by students and faculty from the SIUE Department of Art and Design. For more information, call the department, (618) 650-3071, or, from St. Louis toll-free, (888) 328-5168, Ext. 3071.
11/19/07
SIUE Civil Service Organization Donates Proceeds To Staff Senate Scholarship Fund
The SIUE Civil Service Banquet Planning Committee recently donated its 50-50 raffle proceeds of $200 to the Staff Senate Executive Committee for the Staff Senate Scholarship Fund. The proceeds were gathered at this year's Annual Civil Service Banquet held in October at the Moose Lodge in Edwardsville. The banquet, with its theme of "Tricks and Treats," was attended by more than 110 Civil Service employees.
The evening featured Matt Paris, SIUE Library and Information Services faculty member at Lovejoy Library, who performed excerpts from The Boarded Window by Ambrose Bierce. SIUE student Jess Germigin, a magician, also performed. He will graduate next semester with a bachelor's in literature and a minor in anthropology. He's been involved in magic, both performing and creating, for 15 years.
11/19/07
SIUE Business, History Professors Named 2007-08 Fulbright Scholars
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Two professors at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville-one retired-recently were named Fulbright Scholars and will travel overseas to offer their expertise.
Bijoy Bordoloi, professor of computer management and information systems in the SIUE School of Business, is lecturing about Information System, Technology, Management and E-business at Birla Institute of Technology and Science in Pilani, India, through February.
Richard Millet, professor emeritus of Historical Studies at SIUE and distinguished chair in American studies, will lecture and conduct research on Experience of the Past: Dilemmas of the Present at the Copenhagen Business School in Copenhagen, Denmark, through next month.
Fulbright award recipients are chosen based on academic or professional achievement, as well as demonstrated leadership potential in their fields. More than 30,000 Fulbright recipients participate in U.S. Department of State exchange programs each year.
The Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program is administered by the Council for International Exchange of Scholars. For more than 60 years the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs has supported programs that promote mutual understanding and respect between the people of the United States and other countries.
11/17/07
'Finding Truth' Is Topic Of Nov. 28 WoRKS Dialogue
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) "Finding Truth: Science and Religion Compared" is the topic of a Nov. 28 presentation by the World Religions, Knowledge, and Science (WoRKS) Group, Edwardsville, which offers dialogues about religion and science for the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville community and surrounding communities throughout the academic year.
SIUE Emeritus Philosophy Professor George Henderson will conduct the dialogue at 7:30 p.m. in the SIUE Religious Center, the geodesic dome designed by famed theorist R. Buckminster Fuller at SIUE. WoRKS also conducts a Distinguished Speakers Series.
The Nov. 28 presentation and dialogue is part of the WoRKS Study Group series which is discussing the book Belief in God in an Age of Science by John Polkinghorne (Yale UP, 1998). Readings are optional, and participants may attend any or all of the monthly dialogues. WoRKS Group events are free and open to the public. Parking is available for $1 per hour in Visitor's Lot B, between the Religious Center and the Morris University Center.
The WoRKS Group-Edwardsville is among approximately 240 science and religion dialogue groups worldwide supported by the Metanexus Institute, which seeks to encourage thoughtful and dynamic exploration of the interrelationship of science and religion. The group's initial three-year series of events is funded by a grant from the Institute, with matching funds provided by the SIUE Graduate School, the Office of the Provost, the College of Arts and Sciences, the Department of Philosophy, the University Religious Council and the Friends of the Religious Center.
For more information, contact Greg Fields by telephone, (618) 650-2461, or by e-mail: gfields@siue.edu, or visit www.metanexus.org.
11/17/07
Upcoming Hot City Theatre Offering Directed By SIUE Emeritus Professor
The upcoming production of Permanent Collection at Hot City Theatre in St. Louis is not only directed by an SIUE emeritus professor but also features an SIUE theater instructor and a former SIUE student, both of whom have appeared several times on the SIUE Main stage.
Theater and Dance Emeritus Professor Bill Grivna is directing Permanent Collection by Thomas Gibbons, continuing through Dec. 1 at the Art Loft Theatre, 1529 Washington Ave., in downtown St. Louis. Curtain is 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, with Sunday performances at 7 p.m. General admission is $20; students and senior citizens (62+), $15.
The play is billed as a "searing examination of racial politics that ultimately asks how much space-literally and figuratively-the white world gives to African Americans." The story revolves around a world famous art collection that includes several significant African pieces hidden from the public. Grivna explains that a clash quickly escalates to public accusations of racism and a bitter struggle for control of the collection. "Gibbons compels each of us to look honestly into ourselves, to seek deeply personal answers to questions that can divide us," Grivna said. "However, these same divisive questions could easily be about current issues in politics, religion, even science; any topic upon which there are passionately divergent views."
The cast features Ron Himes, producing director of the St. Louis Black Repertory Theatre Company, and Donna M. Parroné, an SIUE alumna who started her career as a student at SIUE and now is a part-time instructor in the SIUE Department of Theater and Dance. She has been seen on St. Louis and Edwardsville stages several times over the years, most recently in The Probe: An Inquiry into the Meteoric Rise and Spectacular Fall of Orson Welles in Hollywood. She also is development director for Hot City. The play also features Kevin Beyer, who started his career at SIUE and who did community theater for many years with the Arts League Players in Edwardsville before he gained prominence in Chicago and then St. Louis theater productions. He has appeared in several productions in St. Louis, including his award-winning portrayal of Salieri in Amadeus.
Himes, who founded the Black Rep some 30 years ago has helped the company become a prestigious and award-winning organization with national recognition. He has directed more than 100 plays in that venue including August Wilson's The Piano Lesson and I Remember Harlem II. His national theatrical credits include work for the University of South Carolina; the Delaware Theatre Company; the Indiana Rep; and the Studio Theatre in Washington D.C., to name a few. He also has been featured in many plays over the years at the Black Rep and has performed in other venues throughout the St. Louis area, including a production of Driving Miss Daisy at SIUE in the early 1990s, which Grivna also directed.
Grivna joined the SIUE theater and dance faculty in 1977 after spending several years as an actor and a teacher, including appearances at the Guthrie Theater and the Chanhassen Theatre in Minneapolis and as an artistic director and teacher at the Artists Enterprise Theatre in San Francisco. He directed many plays for SIUE and for the old Theatre Project Company in St. Louis, for which he won several accolades. He has been directing for Hot City in St. Louis and also continues to teach Ta'i Chi.
Reservations for Permanent Collection may be made by calling (314) 289-4060 or by visiting the Web site: www.hotcitytheatre.org.
11/16/07
SIUE Gamma Delta Receives National 2007 Chapter Service Award
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Gamma Delta Chapter recently received the national Eta Sigma Gamma 2007 Chapter Service Activity of the Year award.
Eta Sigma Gamma, the National Health Education Honorary, was established in 1967 to enrich the profession of health education and health promotion.
SIUE's Gamma Delta Chapter was given the award because of its commitment to "elevate the standards, ideals, ethics and competence of the profession," according to a statement. Members of the local chapter organized a Mid-West Regional conference for local Eta Sigma Gamma chapters. Of 30 chapters invited through traditional and e-mail invitations, as well as the inclusion of an article in the ESG Vision newsletter titled, Professional Activities in St. Louis, representatives from more than 85 percent of Gamma Delta members participated in the planning, implementation or evaluation of the conference.
Conference participants took part in a full day of training, as well as networking and fellowship opportunities.
11/16/07
SIUE Graduate Student Investigates Robots For Harvesting Energy
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Imagine a space shuttle arriving in orbit, its bay doors opening, and a collection of thousands of individual robots, each with a piece of the reflector attached to them, float out into space. These robots then navigate themselves to form a large parabolic structure, which is then used to harvest solar energy.
If you can imagine it, welcome to the mind of Ross Mead, graduate student in the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Engineering. Mead, the recipient of numerous state and national awards and author of several published works, not only imagines this for the future; he wants to make it a reality.
Mead, who recently was awarded an SIUE Research Grant for Graduate Students, introduced a project titled, Cellular Automata for Control and Interactions of Large Formations of Robots. The project, which is his thesis, involves using large groups of robots that autonomously coordinate into a grid to form a solar panel or reflector. Mead admits there are many factors that will influence the outcome of this project.
Mead asks, "How does this large collection of robots communicate and coordinate their activities to form an organized parabolic structure resembling a reflector? How do the robots know when and where to move to maintain their position within the formation? And how can one operator or a small group of operators communicate with thousands of robots to effectively change the formation as needed?"
As a graduate student, Mead has been able to work with highly capable and qualified mentors in the field of computer science. His mentors have helped groom and prepare him to take on his latest proposal.
From now through July, Mead will work on developing an interconnected network of 18 low-cost robots of his own design that will follow commands in synch, using his scalable formation control algorithm, "making it the largest implementation of robots in formation to date," he said. "The algorithm will be capable of dynamically determining the appropriate size of a neighborhood for a given formation definition; it will then provide the robot with information necessary for it to establish relationships with its neighbors."
Mead said the results will fuel further studies and act as a baseline for future robot swarm control.
"The work Ross proposes to do for his thesis is a necessary and important extension to realize large formations of robots for applications such as search and rescue, or the space solar reflector as described in his proposal," said Jerry Weinberg, associate professor of computer science and chair of the department. "This work would be the first of its kind to demonstrate robots moving into grid formations."
Weinberg continued, "The proposed research is novel and has practical applications based on current research at NASA and the National Security Space Office. In addition, [Ross] has significant expertise in the area of robotics that makes the potential for a successful project very high."
Mead plans to submit the results of his research to the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence Conference in summer 2008. Among his other accomplishments and distinctions, Mead recently was named SIUE's 2007 Student Laureate of the Lincoln Academy of Illinois. Each year, a student from each of Illinois' four-year public universities is chosen to represent their institutions.
A native of Edwardsville, Mead first discovered engineering, computer science and robotics in high school. Since then, he has excelled in his study of computer science, research in robotics, and has given presentations and lectures at the local, regional and national levels. Mead currently has six publications and 11 presentations to his credit.
Mead also has achieved success in his academic endeavors at SIUE through his participation and instruction in several outreach programs for K-12 robotics workshops. He served as the main teaching assistant to the SIUE School of Engineering High School Robotics Program and conducted the workshop for last year's Regional Botball Competition, while also conducting two SIUE Undergraduate Research Academy Projects.
11/16/07
SIUE Graduate Student Challenges Americans To Define "Home"
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) It has been said that home is where the heart is. One Southern Illinois University Edwardsville graduate student is testing that adage.
Research conducted by Sharon Bean, an MFA student through the graduate school in the SIUE Department of Art and Design, shows that in the 60 years since the end of World War II the average footage of a single family home in the United States has increased by roughly 250 percent, while the average family size has decreased by nearly one-third.
Bean, who was awarded an SIUE Research Grant for Graduate Students for a proposal based on this information, is creating at least 20 copper etchings, measuring one square foot each, four large woodcuts and a large sculptural work in Habotai silk.
"It is my hope that my work will stimulate thinking in each viewer about how they perceive the essence of home," Bean said. "How do they think of and feel about their 'nest'?
"Will a few reconsider their approach to creating a personal space?"
One of the reasons she is producing and exhibiting her work is to "provide a catalyst for viewers to consider and discuss their own approaches to home and the resulting impact on lives.
""If we are seeking 'home' will we find it in oversized, square footage or in excessively luxurious décor? I suspect that the showplace house is more about façade, curb appeal and keeping up with the Joneses than about what is comfortable and truly life enhancing."
Bean also plans to examine the implications of increased square footage on a global scale-resulting in greater energy consumption and contributing to global warming and the depletion of natural resources.
"My thesis, Edifice Complex, is an investigation of excess in personal living spaces and the impact that such excess might have on the quality of lives of inhabitants, plus the burden on personal resources and global natural resources," said Bean. "My investigation surrounds the question of whether the extremely capacious house results in comfort and a sense of 'home' or whether the ownership of the very large house instead places burdens on individuals and natural resources and negatively impacts quality of life."
Thad Duhigg, professor of art and design and chair of the department, described Bean's project as "a timely one dealing as it does with global environmental issues," noting, "In recent years, resource consumption has moved from the margins becoming an urgent and mainstream concern for many Americans.
"As a result, I believe Ms. Bean's willingness and desire to take her work beyond the university environment will result in receptive audiences."
11/16/07
Graduate Programs Highlighted At SIUE Open House
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) An open house at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville will take the mystery out of applying to graduate school.
Prospective students can get the facts about the 65 graduate programs offered at SIUE, during two upcoming open house events.
Open House events will be held from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 27, in Goshen Lounge, on the first floor of SIUE's Morris University Center. Those interested in learning more about what SIUE has to offer will learn about graduate admission requirements, such as deadlines and standardized tests, as well as graduate education financing options, graduate assistantships and competitive graduate awards.
Graduate programs are available in the College of Arts and Sciences, and the schools of Business, Education, Engineering and Nursing.
"SIUE offers a unique learning environment where students have the opportunity to be mentored by distinguished faculty who are engaged in their scholarship," said Stephen Hansen, associate provost and dean of the SIUE Graduate School. "Our students also gain practical knowledge, as well as practice in their fields."
SIUE moved into the top 10 in the Top Public Universities Midwest-Master's category, according to the 2008 U.S.News and World Report rankings. Moving up nine positions in the Midwest-Master's ranking, among public and private universities since last year, no Illinois public university ranked higher than SIUE. Rankings are based on several criteria, including a peer assessment by university administrators.
"SIUE offers opportunities far beyond an undergraduate education," said Karen Bollinger, assistant director of Admissions and Academic Marketing and the open house
coordinator. "In addition to some of our more popular graduate programs, like the MBA and public administration, we offer some very specialized programs, such as art therapy counseling and a master's in marketing research, one of just a few in the nation.
"A few more years of study can make a world of difference to a career."
Free parking for the Nov. 27 events is available in Lot B, next to the Morris University Center. For more information, or to register, visit the Web site: www.siue.edu/graduateopenhouse.
11/15/07
Improvisational Work Created By Students, Renowned Director
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's Department of Theater and Dance continues its 2007-08 theater season Nov. 29 with the world premiere of Every Angel, a work created by internationally renowned improvisational technique artist Randy Dixon and an ensemble of SIUE theater students.
The play opens in SIUE's James F. Metcalf Theater at 7:30 p.m. on that Thursday and continues through Dec. 1, at the same time Dec. 6 through 8, and at 2 p.m. Sundays, Dec. 2 and 9.
Chuck Harper, director of theater performance for the department, assisted Dixon and the performers in creating this exciting piece of improvisational theater. Dixon is artistic director for Seattle's Unexpected Productions. The play-created through long-form improvisation, story-telling and collecting autobiographical memories from the performers-revolves around the theme of childhood fears.
For information or to purchase tickets, call the SIUE Fine Arts box office, (618) 650-2774, or, from St. Louis toll-free, (888) 328-5168, ext. 2774. Visit the department's Web site for more information: www.siue.edu/THEATER.
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is proud to celebrate its 50th Anniversary and first half century of excellence. The University has grown from 1,776 students in 1957 to nearly 13,500 students today. SIUE is a catalyst for the cultural and intellectual vitality and economic development of Southwestern Illinois and the greater St. Louis region.
11/15/07
Redmond To Be Feted At Retirement/Birthday Celebration Nov. 28
A retirement and birthday celebration for Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Emeritus Professor Eugene B. Redmond is set for 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 28, in Lee Auditorium of the Missouri History Museum, Lindell Boulevard and DeBaliviere Avenue in Forest Park.
Redmond, who will turn 70 on Dec. 1 and who retired Sept. 1 after 19 years of service to the University as a member of the English Language and Literature faculty, will be on hand for the reception and performances by the Soular Systems Ensemble, the East St. Louis Community Performance Ensemble, pianist Reggie Thomas and the SIUE Jazz Combo. In addition, poetry readings will be presented by poets Shirley LaFlore, Quincy Troupe and SIUE Professor Allison Funk.
Exhibits and special presentations also will be available including Images & Homages-"Memwars" from the EBR Collection, an overview of the many photos Redmond has taken over the years of poets, important leaders and friends. In addition, a book signing will take place for Vol. 15 of Drumvoices Revue, a multicultural journal of "literary, cultural and vision arts." Copies of the journal will be available for purchase.
For more information about the event, call (618) 650-3991.
11/15/07
Changes
- Patricia Bortko, a coordinator for the East St. Louis Center, effective Nov. 1, after nearly 19 years of service.
- Marsha Brady, a community worker at the East St. Louis Center, after 15 years of service.
- Garrett Collins, a coach in Intercollegiate Athletics, effective Oct. 1, after more than 28 years of service.
- Alice Farley, a professor of English Language and Literature, after more than 12 years of service. She was granted emerita status.
- Donna Genovese, a secretary in the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, effective Nov. 1, after more than 19 years of service.
- Ellen Lavelle, a program director in the Office of the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, effective Nov. 1, after more than eight years of service.
- Harold Melser, an executive director in the Office of the Vice Chancellor for University Relations, effective Oct. 1, after six years of service.
- Shirley Portwood, a professor of Historical Studies, after 26 years of service. She was granted emerita status.
- Mary Ray, a community worker for the East St. Louis Center, after 13 years of service.
- Eugene B. Redmond, a professor of English Language and Literature, after 19 years of service. He was granted emeritus status.
- Isaiah Smithson, a professor of English Language and Literature, after 23 years of service. He was granted emeritus status.
- Carol Snyder, a building service worker for the Morris University Center, after nearly 11 years.
- Gustave Wills, a broadcast engineer for the Department of Mass Communications, effective Nov. 1, after 22 years of service.
- Robert Wolf, a professor of Philosophy, after 37 years of service. He was granted emeritus status.
11/13/07
SIUE Madrigal Dinner Set For Nov. 28
Reservations are being taken now for the Seventh Annual Renaissance Madrigal Dinner, presented by the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Department of Music and at a new location this year-the Crystal Room of GC Cuisine and Cherub Gardens, 1230 University Drive, Edwardsville-on Wednesday, Nov. 28. Reservation deadline is Nov. 26.
The SIUE Madrigal Singers will provide the musical and "variety" entertainment during the evening that includes a "royal Renaissance feast at which are kings, queens, dukes, duchesses, counts, countesses, and lords of lower estate, and nobles also a great number," says the "royal conductor" Joel Knapp, director of choral activities for the department.
"Everyone has great fun at the Madrigal Dinner every year," Knapp said. "We have a lighthearted selection of activities planned as well as several madrigal pieces for the holiday season-some serious and others not so serious. We must keep the lord of the manor and his guests in good humor so that all may enjoy this incredible feast."
Admission is $40 per person and includes a four-course meal and an evening of entertainment. Proceeds benefit the department's scholarship fund. Also available are special "scholarship seats," preferred seating priced at $80 each, which includes a $40 tax deductible donation to the department. For information or to make reservations, call "the fair lady Martee," (618) 650-3900.
11/13/07
SIUE Graduate Learns Of Winning Prize For Work Overseas
Cole Ramsey of Bowen, who graduated earlier this year from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville with a bachelor's in business administration/finance, recently learned he won the annual HSBC Bank prize for his scholarly achievement at Sheffield Hallam University in Sheffield, England.
Ramsey was a student at Sheffield during spring semester as part of an exchange program with that university through the SIUE School of Business International Program. Ramsey earned the honor for his work in an International Trade Finance module, offered through Sheffield's Department of Organization and Management.
He finished third in the module class. He also has been invited to a special ceremony to receive the award in Sheffield this week.
The SIUE program helps to prepare students for successful careers by providing them with international educational opportunities through faculty exchanges and study abroad, travel study courses, and service learning experiences. The program also provides students with current information about global business practices in the St. Louis area by bringing professionals on campus to speak about their experiences in international business and providing support for the international business student organization, the International Business Association.
11/9/07
Foundation Board Welcomes Four New Members
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The newest members of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Foundation Board of Directors include Monsanto's CIO, the Holland Construction Services Inc. CEO, a partner at the St. Louis accounting firm RubinBrown and a clinical professor at the SIU School of Dental Medicine (SIU/SDM).
Veteran Monsanto CIO Mark Showers joins Bruce B. Holland, CEO Holland Construction, RubinBrown CPA Walter R. Knepper and SIU/SDM's Dr. Neal W. Roller as the newest elected directors of the Foundation Board.
Showers, who has been with Monsanto for nearly 25 years, has spent most of his career in the information technology area with the exception of two years when he was a member of the Strategic Planning group. In addition, he is a member of the External Advisory Board for the SIUE School of Business.
He also is active in the St. Louis community as chairman of the St. Louis Coalition for Information Technology, board chairman for the Technology Entrepreneur Center and as a member of the Innovate St. Louis board. In addition, Showers serves on several academic advisory boards at Washington University in St. Louis. At the University of Missouri-St. Louis, Showers is a member of the High Performance Computing Center Advisory Board.
In 2007, Showers was named one of the Premier 100 Leaders in Information Technology by Computerworld magazine.
Holland is responsible for business development, contract negotiations and overall company management at Holland, which specializes in construction of shopping centers, financial institutions, health care-senior care facilities, office buildings, educational facilities and light industrial/warehouse facilities in Illinois and Missouri.
Holland has served on numerous boards and committees to promote development and growth in the Southwestern Illinois region. He has been past president, a member of the Executive Committee and chair of the Transportation Committee, all for the Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois. For the Southern Illinois Construction Advancement Program, he was chairman and trustee and also is past president of Belleville Economic Progress Inc., past president and a member of the board of the Associated General Contractors/So. Illinois Builders Association, and a board member and a member of the St. Louis Regional Business Council Executive Board.
In addition, Holland has been a board member of the United Way of Greater St. Louis, the Regional Chamber and Growth Association, the Southwestern Illinois College Foundation and the Greater St. Louis Community Foundation, to name a few.
Knepper, a certified public accountant and a partner in the Tax Department at RubinBrown, specializes in estate and financial planning, succession planning and optimizing strategies for middle market companies. His technical concentrations include pass-through entities and structuring of merger and acquisition transactions. His industry concentration includes manufacturing and distribution, real estate and service organizations.
In addition, Knepper has served on the boards of the Newman Center, Miriam Hall, St. Paul Books, Media Center and Family Business Forum as well as the Media Club. He also is currently board chairman of the SIUE School of Business Advisory Board.
Dr. Roller has been on the faculty of the SIU/SDM since 1975. Before that he served for two years as an instructor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in Philadelphia. Since 1994, Roller also has been an adjunct professor at Saint Louis University Health Science Center. He is certified by the American Board of Oral Medicine and the American Board of Periodontology and also is a Fellow of the American College of Dentists and the SIU/SDM Dean's Advisory Board.
SIUE is proud to celebrate its 50th Anniversary and first half century of excellence. The University has grown from 1,776 students in 1957 to nearly 13,500 students today. SIUE is a catalyst for the cultural and intellectual vitality and economic development of Southwestern Illinois and the greater St. Louis region.
11/9/07
Nominations, Entries Sought for MLK Jr. Awards
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Nominations are being sought for the 25th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian and Scholarship awards to be given at the Feb. 5, Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration Luncheon at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
Entries also are being sought for an essay, poetry, and visual arts competition for high school students.
The awards are given each year to recognize those who exemplify the philosophy of nonviolent social change as demonstrated by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
An SIUE employee as well as a resident of Illinois is each eligible for a Humanitarian Award, while a current SIUE student is eligible for the Scholarship and Humanitarian Award.
Nomination applications are available at the Kimmel Leadership Center on the first floor of SIUE's Morris University Center. The deadline for nominations is Friday, Dec. 7. Guidelines and entry forms have been sent to all area high schools for the essay, poetry, and visual arts competition. Winners of the high school competition will receive a $100 honorarium and a plaque of recognition.
Applications for the scholarship and the humanitarian awards are available for download at www.siue.edu/kimmel/awards/mlk.shtml. For more information, call the center at (618) 650-2686.
11/9/07
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Comes To SIUE Nov. 30 For Arts & Issues
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, with its special brand of music infusing old-school jive and a lively horn section, continues the Arts & Issues 2007-08 season at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville on Nov. 30. The Cassens Companies are sponsoring the band's appearance.
Arts & Issues is in its 23rd season of bringing world-class performers and noted speakers to Southwestern Illinois.
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, with music that puts the "zoot" in zoot suit, will appear at 8 p.m. that Friday in Meridian Ballroom, on the first floor of SIUE's Morris University Center. BBVD promises an evening of music that swings-rockin' and rollin' with a bit of Dixieland and some jazz thrown in, and a bit of the old Rat Pack flavor. With a New Orleans sensibility, BBVD takes their swing into a modern direction.
Grant Andree, director of the Arts & Issues series, said he dares anyone to keep their toes from tapping while listening to the group's swinging sound. "We'll have an area reserved for dancing in Meridian Ballroom during the concert," Andree said. "Our audiences love these guys and won't be able to stay seated when Big Bad Voodoo Daddy brings its high energy musical rollercoaster to our stage."
The group has been touring non-stop, performing more than 100 concerts annually around the world. They have played from Hawaii to Florida to Finland with sold out crowds. The band also has been collaborating with symphonies in select cities, including the Air Symphony Orchestra in Washington, DC; the Hartford (CT) Symphony; the Columbus (OH) Symphony; and the Dayton (OH) Philharmonic Orchestra.
"And, if they like Big Bad Voodoo Daddy," says Andree, "they're going to love Sandra Reaves-Phillips who will hit the Arts & Issues stage Saturday, Feb. 2, with her special brand of jazz and blues." Through her singing, Reaves-Phillips honors the memories of Billie Holliday, Bessie Smith and Ma Rainey, to name a few." Reaves-Phillips' appearance is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.
In addition to Reaves-Phillips, the next performer during the 2007-08 season will be Arlo Guthrie on Wednesday, March 5, 2008, sponsored by the SIUE Alumni Association.
Other speakers in the series include Anna Deavere Smith, playwright, professor and performance artist, on Thursday, March 27, in Meridian, and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and best-selling author Anna Quindlen on Thursday, April 24, in Meridian, sponsored by National City Bank.
To purchase tickets, call (618) 650-2774 or visit the Web site: artsandissues.com. For additional information about the Arts & Issues series, call Grant Andree, (618) 650-2626.
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11/8/07
BOT Approves Two Projects, Bleacher Purchase For SIU Edwardsville
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees today approved two projects on the Edwardsville campus with budgets totaling $12 million and also approved the purchase of new bleachers and a wood floor for SIUE's Vadalabene Center at a cost of up to $2 million.
Project and budget approvals were given to construction of an Olympics standard wrestling and volleyball center at a cost of $10 million and a $2 million expansion of the SIUE Early Childhood Center. The board voted on the matters at its regular meeting conducted on the Carbondale campus.
The board had approved planning in October for the center that will house SIUE intercollegiate wrestling and volleyball as well as provide a venue for community-based youth wrestling programs. Project plans call for the center, which will be funded through private donations, to meet standards to serve as a Midwest Olympics Wrestling Training Center.
In March, the Board approved planning for the Early Childhood Center expansion that will include increased capacity, create observation and seminar areas for SIUE early childhood education students, and provide a storm shelter in the basement of the building, which is located across from the Rec-Plex. The center reports a capacity of 54 children with a waiting list of more than 130; the renovation will add space for 34 more children. The project will be funded by an internal loan to be repaid through center user fees and University operating funds.
According to the Board, the bleachers and floor are part of a $6 million partial renovation of the Vadalabene Center gymnasium that was approved in September. The "pre-ordering" of the bleachers and floor approved today was necessary for the project to be completed by the beginning of basketball season in October 2008. In addition to new bleachers and floor, the entire renovation project includes construction of classroom and storage space in the gymnasium as well as renovation of existing space.
11/8/07
SIUE To Host 36th Annual Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The 36th Annual Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is set for Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 5-6, in SIUE's Morris University Center.
Vendors may rent booth space, based on a juried evaluation of arts and crafts to be exhibited and space available. Those interested in becoming a vendor should do so soon because spaces tend to be rented quickly.
Sponsored by the Morris Center Print and Design Shop, the fair will be open from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. both days. There is no admission charge to attend the fair and the public is invited.
Items at the fair will include original works produced by local and regional artists and crafts people. Many types of handmade goods will be available for purchase, including pieces made from clay, weaving, fiber, fabric, wood, metal, glass, leather, graphics, painting and photography. Selections for purchase will include many articles suitable for holiday gifts.
For more information about obtaining booth space or about the fair itself, call Tom Ostresh in the Print and Design Shop, (618) 650-2178.
11/7/07
P. Apponey Is Employee Of The Month For November
Congratulations: Patricia Apponey of Staunton, a secretary in Dining Services (second from right), is recipient of the November Employee Recognition Award. She is shown here with Ann Emmanuel (far right), who nominated her, and her supervisor, Loris Schneider (far left). To Apponey's right is Kenneth Neher, vice chancellor for Administration who made the presentation. In addition to the plaque she received, Apponey was awarded a $25 gift certificate to the SIUE Bookstore, a parking spot close to her office for one month, and two complimentary lunch coupons to the University Restaurant. (SIUE Photo by Bill Brinson)
11/5/07
MEDIA ADVISORY/PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
Smoking Cessation Program Presented By Health Ed. Students
Three SIUE Students Collaborated In Creating The Workshop
- Who: Three SIUE Health Education students
- What: Commit To Quit 2008 smoking cessation workshop
- When: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 7
- Where: YMCA, 1200 ESIC Drive, Edwardsville, IL
Three undergraduate senior community health education students (Christina Martin of Chicago (60643), Kylie Scobbie of Glen Carbon and Aubrey Mahanay, also of Edwardsville) will be presenting the program they've planned. While planned by the students, they also have collaborated with the American Lung Association and the American Cancer Association. The program will encourage and assist those in the surrounding community who would like to become smoke free for the new year and the new Illinois state law that prohibits smoking in public places. For more information, call Aubrey Mahanay, (618) 973-6460.
11/5/07
Jazz Studies Alumni To Perform With SIUE Jazz Bands
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) As part of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's 50th Anniversary Celebration, several alumni musicians will perform-along with the SIUE Concert Jazz Band directed by SIUE Jazz Studies Professor Brett Stamps and the SIUE Jazz Lab Band directed by Jason Swagler, a member of the Jazz Studies faculty-at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 13, in the theater at SIUE's Katherine Dunham Hall.
Alumni to be featured during the concert include guitarist Rick Haydon, pianist Kara Baldus and tenor saxophonist Tim Stamps.
Haydon will perform two selections from his acclaimed CD, Just Friends, on the Mel Bay label, and arranged for big band by Cody Henry and Brett Stamps. Baldus will perform an arrangement by SIUE Music Professor Reggie Thomas of Duke Ellington's Mood Indigo. Tim Stamps will perform Travels by Pat Metheny as a tribute to the late Michael Brecker.
The Concert Jazz Band will showcase the music of Thad Jones that Jones wrote for the Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Big Band. The SIUE Lab Band will perform selections from the Count Basie, Duke Ellington and Quincy Jones songbooks.
Admission to the Nov. 14 concert at SIUE is $5; senior citizens and those under 18, $3. For more information, call the SIUE Department of Music, (618) 650-3900.
11/5/07
SIUE Student Is 2007 Lincoln Academy Student Laureate
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Southern Illinois University Edwardsville student Ross Mead represented the institution this year as SIUE's 2007 Student Laureate of the Lincoln Academy of Illinois.
Mead, a senior computer science major, is one of 48 student laureates honored recently at the Old State Capitol in Springfield. Each year, a student from each of Illinois' four-year public universities is chosen to represent their institutions. The students receive a Student Laureate Medallion, a $150 honorarium and a certificate of achievement.
Mead was honored with the award, because he is the top senior at SIUE, as determined by his excellence in curricular and extra curricular activities.
A native of Edwardsville, Mead first discovered engineering, computer science and robotics in high school. Since then, he has excelled in his study of computer science, research in robotics, and presentations and lectures at the local, regional and national levels, while pursuing his degree at SIUE. Mead currently has six publications and 11 presentations to his credit.
"This is an extraordinary performance by an undergraduate student" said Hasan Sevim, dean of the SIUE School of Engineering.
Mead has participated and offered instruction in numerous outreach programs for K-12 robotics workshops. He served as the main teaching assistant to the SIUE School of Engineering High School Robotics Program and conducted the workshop for last year's Regional Botball Competition, while also conducting two SIUE Undergraduate Research Academy Projects.
Brad Noble, associate dean of the School, and Jerry Weinberg, associate professor and chair of the Department of Computer Science, agree Mead's enthusiasm and dedication to learning and service to the community are exemplary.
"He has made countless demonstrations and his talent for public speaking, combined with his enthusiasm makes him a compelling orator," Noble said.
11/2/07
SIUE Pharmacy Assistant Professor Is National Award Recipient
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice Jessica Kerr received the 2007 Distinguished Young Pharmacist Award recently during the Illinois Pharmacists Association's (IPhA) awards conference in St. Charles.
To qualify for the award, candidates must be members of the state organization, licensed in Illinois and must have received an entry degree in pharmacy less than 10 years ago.
The award "honors and up-and-coming pharmacist, an individual who shows tremendous commitment to the profession and his/her community, leadership potential, professional aspirations and involvement in community service," according to a press release from the IPhA.
Kerr, a Fairview Heights resident, is a 2001 graduate of the Saint Louis College of Pharmacy's Doctor of Pharmacy program. She has been teaching at SIUE since 2005 and was recognized this year as the School's Pharmacy Practice Faculty Member of the Year.
"This award recognizes Dr. Kerr's leadership role among pharmacists in the area of diabetes education and clinical pharmacy," said SIUE School of Pharmacy Dean Philip Medon. "She is an excellent role model for our students through her hard work and interest in student education and patient care.
"Her accomplishments are extensive and we are proud to have her as part of our team."
A member of the American Association of Diabetes Educators, the American Diabetes Association, the American College of Clinical Pharmacy and the American Association of College of Pharmacy, Kerr is very active in the community. She also is the student advisor to the student chapter of the American Pharmacists Association.
Kerr is a clinical pharmacist at John Cochran Veterans Affairs Medical Clinic in St. Louis and the Veterans Affairs Medical Center Outpatient Clinic in Belleville, at which she provides geriatric and cardiovascular risk management services to U.S. veterans in Southern Illinois.
11/2/07
SIUE Speakers Series To Address Middle East Misunderstandings
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Discovering the Middle East through Literature and Poetry: A Speakers Series, will bring a glimpse of life in the Middle East to the Midwest. Four acclaimed speakers will engage audiences during four programs next semester at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
Tami Al-Hazza, a curriculum specialist and expert in Arab literature for children and young adults at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va., and former faculty member at Kuwait University, will talk about literature, poetry, teaching and the Middle East. The event is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 22, in the Mississippi/Illinois Room, on the second floor of SIUE's Morris University Center.
Al-Hazza has published several works, including most recently Literature About the Middle East: Selecting and Using it with Children and Young Adults.
Internationally acclaimed Naomi Shihab Nye, an award-winning poet and author, will speak at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, in Meridian Ballroom, on the first floor of the Morris Center. Nye is an Arab-American who has traveled the Middle East and Asia three times for the U. S. Information Agency, promoting a spirit of cooperation through the arts.
Zeina Azzam Seikaly, who has been the outreach coordinator for the Center for Contemporary Arab Studies at Georgetown University since 1994, will speak at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 4, in the Mississippi/Illinois Room. Seikaly-author of articles, books and film reviews-works closely with teachers in K-12 classrooms to integrate lesson plans that introduce Arab literature to children across the country.
Noted author and poet Howard Schwartz, will speak at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 1, in the Mississippi/Illinois Room. Schwartz is recipient of two prestigious awards: the 2005 National Jewish Book Award for Tree of Souls: The Mythology of Judaism and the Koret International Jewish Book Award for Before You Were Born.
The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Gloria Reading, (618) 650-3433.
11/2/07
Fall Staff Senate Scholars Announced
Scholars: Morgan Clymer of Godfrey, a senior at SIUE studying Spanish, and James J. Feigl III of Edwardsville, a sophomore at SIUE, are recipients of the 2007 Fall Staff Senate Scholarship. In photo No. 1, Morgan (third from left) is flanked by SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift (at left) and Morgan's father, Kim, a painter in the Crafts Department at SIUE. To Kim Clymer's left are Jesse Harris Jr., treasurer of the Staff Senate, and Staff Senate President Todd Bartholomew. At far left is Melanie Schoenborn, Staff Senate Scholarship Committee chair. In photo No. 2, James is flanked by Chancellor Vandegrift and James' mother, Kathleen Feigl. To Mrs. Feigl's left is James' father, James Feigl II. To the elder Feigl's left are Harris and Bartholomew. At far left is Schoenborn. The scholarship is awarded annually to an SIUE staff member's child or grandchild eligible under the scholarship's academic guidelines. (SIUE Photo by Denise Macdonald)
11/1/07
SIUE School of Education Grant Program Receives Additional Funds
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) A nearly $195,000 award will allow the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Education to expand a program that benefits K-12 schools and teachers in 16 counties.
Thanks to the support of U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Springfield), the Teaching with Primary Sources (TPS) program will receive funding beyond 2008, through The Library of Congress.
The program, formerly known as Adventure of the American Mind, has helped provide resources for training and mentoring of more than 500 educators, as well as nearly $250,000 in technology awards to area schools and teachers. Since 2002, the program has been awarded nearly $1.3 million.
Educators can peruse more than nine million historical items in more than 100 themed collections on a Web site, known as American Memory. They can choose pieces from the Web site, www.memory.loc.gov/, to enhance their curricula.
11/1/07
Noted Philosopher To Speak At Statewide Conference Hosted By SIUE
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Elliott Sober, the Hans Reichenbach Professor and William F. Vilas Research Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, will be the keynote speaker Nov. 9 at the annual meeting of the Illinois Philosophical Association to be conducted this year on the campus of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
The noted philosopher will speak about "Evolution Without Metaphysics?" at 7 p.m. in the Redbud-Oak Room, on the second floor of SIUE's Morris Center. Sober is especially known for his influential work in the philosophy of biology.
He is author of numerous books and articles, including The Nature of Selection: Evolutionary Theory of Philosophical Focus (MIT, 1984); Philosophy of Biology (Westview Press, 1999), which has been translated in three languages; and Unto Others: The Evolution and Psychology of Unselfish Behavior, with David Wilson (Harvard, 1998). Sober is working currently on a manuscript for Cambridge University Press, Evidence and Evolution.
For more information about conference registration, contact Todd Stewart by e-mail: tstewart@ilstu.edu or by writing Todd Stewart, Secty. Treasurer of the IPA, Department of Philosophy, Box 4540, Illinois State University, Normal, IL 61790
11/1/07
SIUE Construction Team Takes Second In Regional Competition
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) A six-student team from the Department of Construction in the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Engineering took second place in the Associated Schools of Construction (ASC) Great Lakes Region Design/Build competition conducted recently in Downers Grove.
The SIUE team, known during the competition as Trophy Construction, finished behind the 2006 national champion, the Milwaukee School of Engineering. SIUE team members are: Megan Ladwig, of Edwardsville; Matt Giacomini, of Williamsville; Kevin Nesselhauf, of Festus, Mo.; Bill Nolte, of Brighton; Jessica Charles, also of Edwardsville; and Oliver Coulson, of Troy. The team was coached by Associate Professor Kerry Slattery, a member of the construction faculty.
The undergraduate student competition, co-sponsored by the ASC and Associated General Contractors, simulated a real-life, high-pressure situation. The teams were asked to design, price, schedule, and prepare a professional presentation in an extremely tight time frame. The team is judged on estimating, planning, scheduling, thoughtful methodology, creativity, understanding of construction techniques and challenges, and presentation skills.
For this competition, the students were required to submit a prequalification document at 7 a.m. on the first day of the competition. The teams received a request for proposals for a $22 million medical office building for a private orthopedic group. Over the next 17 hours, the teams were sequestered in hotel rooms, and had to create a design and produce an estimate as well as a schedule. To add further pressure, the "owners" submitted changes at various times throughout the day. Completed proposals were submitted at midnight.
Materials for the oral presentations were submitted to the judges by noon the next day, with the presentations made shortly thereafter. A debriefing after the presentations served as the educational component of the competition, allowing students to receive feedback and also ask questions of the judges.
Ladwig was president and project executive; Giacomini was vice president and senior project architect; Nesselhauf was director of pre-construction and senior estimator; Nolte was project manager and scheduler; Charles was senior project engineer and sustainable construction coordinator; while Coulson was project superintendent.
In addition to the SIUE construction faculty, several companies helped the team prepare for the competition: Tarlton Corporation, Korte Construction, McCarthy Building Companies, Kozeny-Wagner, and alumni of SIUE's construction program, who help pay for student registration and traveling expenses with an annual golf tournament fundraiser.
11/1/07
CDB Head Visits Campus; Touts $25 Billion Capital Bill
Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift joined CAS Dean Kent Neely recently in welcoming Jan Grimes to campus during her tour of the state to urge the Illinois House to pass Illinois Works, a pending $25 billion Capital Development bill that would provide $70.6 million for much-needed projects on the SIUE campus including a renovated Science Building and construction of a new science laboratory building.
Grimes, who is head of the Illinois Capital Development Board, addressed members of the media at a news conference in one of the deteriorating labs of the Science Building. "It's been eight long years since the state has had a major infrastructure development," Grimes pointed out. "In that time our roads have aged, schools and universities have deteriorated.
"We have a great need for infrastructure; it's been way too long," she said.
Vandegrift, who introduced Grimes, said passing of the bill is very important to students, faculty and to the University as a whole. "The new Science Laboratory Building will allow us to attract more students, retain students and faculty, and ease our current lab space problem," Vandegrift said. "In fact, the lack of a new science building is the single most important factor limiting the future growth of SIUE."
He praised Grimes as a dedicated director and said he was pleased she had included SIUE on her tour. "We're so pleased that she's where she is (in Springfield) and is so committed to the development of appropriate facilities for Illinois."
Dean Neely said SIUE has "extraordinary faculty and extraordinary students who could do greater work if they had a better facility in which to work." He pointed out how the College of Arts and Sciences has retrofitted labs to assure continued safety but that the labs are deteriorating quickly.
Neely introduced two students who had stories to tell about coping with outdated facilities and overcrowding. "We talk about the great work of our faculty and the exciting things taking place at SIUE, but it's measured in students like these," Neely said. "They are the future of our state; they will impact the workforce."
Environmental Sciences major Erica Hussar spoke of the overcrowding and how difficult it is to find adequate space to do graduate level research. "We have to reschedule around other students, often having to come in at night," she said.
Ben Paulson, also an environmental sciences major, said: "You can see the deterioration of the woodwork in the labs and the labs are very crowded," he said. "It might engender camaraderie, but it's not conducive to concentration."
Vandegrift said a new facility would help SIUE continue to deliver a quality education. "We need to continue to recruit high quality students and faculty, and a modern facility that enables people to conduct classes and accomplish research is very significant to the future growth and development of SIUE."
11/1/07
SIUE Ranked Among Princeton Review's 290 Best Business Schools
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's School of Business has been ranked as a Best 290 Business School in the 2008 edition of the Princeton Review.
Results are based on student surveys and institutional data from 2007. The Review stated students surveyed indicated they were drawn to the SIUE School of Business because of its reputation and its accreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)-International. Students also said they were attracted to "the convenience of night and weekend courses" and the school's affordability-being the most affordable tuition in Metropolitan St. Louis.
"We are pleased that the Princeton Review has confirmed that our School ranks among the country's best," said SIUE School of Business Interim Dean Tim Schoenecker. "Even more gratifying is that this recognition is based, in part, on feedback from our students."
The SIUE School of Business is among an elite 10 percent of business schools worldwide that have earned the prestigious seal of approval from the AACSB. Only 30 percent of all business schools in the United States are accredited by the AACSB.
The Princeton Review, based in New York, is known for its test-preparation courses, education services, and college and graduate school admission services. To learn more about the Princeton Review, visit the Web site: www.princetonreview.com.
11/1/07
Dance In Concert To Feature Piece Inspired By Trip To Cuba
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Two Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Department of Theater and Dance faculty visited Cuba earlier this year and came back with stories to tell and, of course, visions of spirited music and salsa dance.
Professors C. Otis Sweezey and J. Calvin Jarrell traveled to Cuba to soak in some culture and also bring back a flavor of the island to students. The results of their efforts will be seen in Fusión de Carnaval en Santiago de Cuba, a vibrant dance with nearly 20 dancers moving to the salsa beat but also with African influences and a contemporary dance flavor.
Fusión will appear in Dance In Concert 2007, set for 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, Nov. 7-10, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 11, all in the theater at SIUE's Katherine Dunham Hall. The concert also features works by Mikey Thomas and Kerry Shaul, also members of the SIUE dance faculty.
"I wanted to make contact with some Cuban dancers and/or choreographers and, perhaps, visit the National Dance Museum in Havana," Jarrell explained. "I met William Danger (DAHN-herr) who is artistic director of his own dance company, Santiago de Cuba, blending Cuban dance with contemporary movement."
Jarrell, who is a certified movement pattern analysis practitioner, said Cuban culture has for centuries had a tradition of music and dance. "The whole country moves, from the time they learn to walk," he said. "I was astonished to see that even elderly people dance and they were moving as exuberantly as the young people."
In Cuba, Carnaval finds its origins in the 18th Century when each city would celebrate on the feast day of that city's patron saint. Some 250 years later, the celebration came to symbolize Fidel Castro's takeover in 1959. "The first half of our dance has the Carnaval flavor embodied in the movement and in the costumes," Jarrell said, "but the second half blends African, Australian, jazz and fusion influences."
The Carnaval aspects also have been captured in Sweezey's exciting costumes. "Look anywhere in the Caribbean or Latin America," Sweezey said, "and you'll find vibrant colors, probably because the sun is so intense it brings out the natural colors of the islands. In turn, the colors are represented in the costume dance traditions. "They also use 'moveable floats' in the parades," Sweezey said. He noted Cubans construct lightweight metal structures with wheels over which parade participants drape the costume. "I decided these moveable float structures look like walkers that elderly people use to get around," he explained. "so I purchased a few walkers to save time and money.
Sweezey said he's incorporating a variety of colorful fabrics. "Some satins, shiny and sparkly fabrics," he pointed out. "But, when we move into the African portion of the dance, the costumes will change to African patterns as opposed to solid colors.
"It's going to be an exciting dance and I hope the costumes will add to that experience for the audience."
Thomas' piece, The Candy Pitch, is "a result of the aerial dance training we had last year for the dance students," Thomas said. "It's our chance to use that training." Thomas pointed out that the dance piece is reminiscent of a circus act à la Cirque du Soleil, "but without the height," he said. "The piece is extremely physically demanding, colorful and fast-paced. There's no intent to tell a story but I hope the audience will find a connection to circus."
Thomas explained that aerial dance started in the 1970s in California and was based on circus trapeze acts but with more artistry. "For our piece, most of the devices are low to the ground and we don't need nets," Thomas explained. "It's been quite physically challenging for the dancers. It's like going out on your swing set in the backyard and having a show."
Tickets to Dance in Concert 2007 may be purchased through SIUE's Fine Arts box office, (618) 650-2774, or, toll-free, (888) 328-5168, ext. 2774.
October 2007
SIUE Professor Conjures Up Poet For Spirited Halloween Lecture
SIUE School of Education Grant Program Receives Additional Funds
·Noted Philosopher To Speak At Statewide Conference Hosted By SIUE
·SIUE Construction Team Takes Second In Regional Competition
·SIUE Alumni Board President Finds Treasure In His Basement
· SIUE Ranked Among Princeton Review's 290 Best Business Schools
· Dance In Concert To Feature Piece Inspired By Trip To Cuba
· Historical Studies Professor To Share Research
· MEDIA ADVISORY: Commencement Cancellation
·Anthro Students Win Statewide Awards
·Performing Arts Student Named in Who's Who
·Sig Ep Chapter Raises $4,000 for Youth AIDS
· Fresh, Fun Ideas Will Fly During Idea Bounce At SIUE
· SIUE Housing Director Chosen As VP Of International Association
·Entrepreneurship Center At SIUE To Co-Sponsor Summit
·SIUE's Hagan Inducted Into EdTA Hall of Fame
·October Employee Of The Month
Two Speakers Slated To Discuss Sociological, Criminal Justice Issues
· Sou'wester To Celebrate Nearly 50 Years Of Publishing Oct. 25
SIUE Associate Professor Appears On Extreme Makover Home Edition
SIUE Emeritus Professor Inducted Into Illinois Senior Hall Of Fame
Fourth SIUE School of Nursing Alumni Heritage Walk A Success
Acting Now for the Next 50 Years!-Chancellor's Report To University
·Hundreds Of Students Expected To Attend Regional College Fair At SIUE
·FOTAD Presents Its Tenth Annual Mystery Dinner Theater At SIUE
·Retired Four-Star Gen. McCaffrey To Speak Oct. 27 For Arts & Issues
·FOTAD's A Season For The Child Subscription Tickets On Sale Now
·Prime Real Estate Available In SIUE's University Park
·SIUE Friends Of Religious Center Awards Dinner Set For Oct. 20
·SIUE Director To Receive NCURA Distinguished Service Award
·SIUE Emeritus Gerontology Professor Receives Pioneering Award
· Student Art Therapy Assoc. To Present Puppetry, Storytelling Lecturer
· SIUE, SLU, Washington University and SIU Med School Collaborate
· SIUE Nursing Announces Winners of National Scholarships
· SIUE Nursing Assistant Professor Nationally Recognized
· SIUE Nursing Associate Professor Honored With Awards
· SIUE Renews Its Love Affair With The Cougar Mascot
·New Bronze Statue Commemorates SIUE Cougar Mascots
·SIUE Alcohol Awareness Week Set For Oct. 8-12 On Campus
·SIUE Mechanical Engineering Professor Named ASME Fellow
·SIUE Celebrates Homecoming Weekend; Club Sports Logo Launch
·SIUE To Host Two Previews For College-Bound Students And Parents
10/31/07
SIUE Professor Conjures Up Poet For Spirited Halloween Lecture
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) In the spirit of Halloween fun, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's Jeffrey Skoblow, professor of English language and literature, summoned a noted Victorian poet, upholsterer and political activist during a lecture at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 31, in the Religious Center.
Skoblow portrayed William Morris, a socialist revolutionary agitator, who lived from 1834-1896. The topic of the 45-minute lecture was Art: A Serious Thing, which was written by Morris.
The lecture was presented in connect with a History class that Skoblow is team-teaching with Eric Ruckh, SIUE associate professor of historical studies.
"It's just a fun way to get some of Morris's work out there," Skoblow said. "The timing of Halloween just worked out this way."
During his years in graduate school, Skoblow said he performed the lecture as Morris in Baltimore, London and Los Angeles. The event marked his first performance in 25 years.
Click here for a picture of Jeffrey Skoblow, SIUE professor of English language and literature, performing a lecture to a class he is team teaching with Eric Ruckh, SIUE associate professor of historical studies.
10/30/07
SIUE School of Education Grant Program Receives Additional Funds
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) A nearly $195,000 award will allow the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Education to expand a program that benefits K-12 schools and teachers in 16 counties.
Thanks to the support of U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Springfield), the Teaching with Primary Sources (TPS) program will receive funding beyond 2008, through The Library of Congress.
The program, formerly known as Adventure of the American Mind, has helped provide resources for training and mentoring of more than 500 educators, as well as nearly $250,000 in technology awards to area schools and teachers. Since 2002, the program has been awarded nearly $1.3 million.
Educators can peruse more than nine million historical items in more than 100 themed collections on a Web site, known as American Memory. They can choose pieces from the Web site, www.memory.loc.gov/, to enhance their curricula.
For more information, visit www.siue.edu/education/aam.
10/30/07
Noted Philosopher To Speak At Statewide Conference Hosted By SIUE
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Elliott Sober, the Hans Reichenbach Professor and William F. Vilas Research Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, will be the keynote speaker Nov. 9 at the annual meeting of the Illinois Philosophical Association to be conducted this year on the campus of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
The noted philosopher will speak about "Evolution Without Metaphysics?" at 7 p.m. in the Redbud-Oak Room, on the second floor of SIUE's Morris Center. Sober is especially known for his influential work in the philosophy of biology.
He is author of numerous books and articles, including The Nature of Selection: Evolutionary Theory of Philosophical Focus (MIT, 1984); Philosophy of Biology (Westview Press, 1999), which has been translated in three languages; and Unto Others: The Evolution and Psychology of Unselfish Behavior, with David Wilson (Harvard, 1998). Sober is working currently on a manuscript for Cambridge University Press, Evidence and Evolution.
For more information about conference registration, contact Todd Stewart by e-mail: tstewart@ilstu.edu or by writing Todd Stewart, Secty.-Treasurer of the IPA, Department of Philosophy, Box 4540, Illinois State University, Normal, IL 61790
10/29/07
SIUE Construction Team Takes Second In Regional Competition
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) A six-student team from the Department of Construction in the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Engineering took second place in the Associated Schools of Construction (ASC) Great Lakes Region Design/Build competition conducted recently in Downers Grove.
The SIUE team, known during the competition as Trophy Construction, finished behind the 2006 national champion, the Milwaukee School of Engineering. SIUE team members are: Megan Ladwig, of Edwardsville; Matt Giacomini, of Williamsville; Kevin Nesselhauf, of Festus, Mo.; Bill Nolte, of Brighton; Jessica Charles, also of Edwardsville; and Oliver Coulson, of Troy. The team was coached by Associate Professor Kerry Slattery, a member of the construction faculty.
The undergraduate student competition, co-sponsored by the ASC and Associated General Contractors, simulated a real-life, high-pressure situation. The teams were asked to design, price, schedule, and prepare a professional presentation in an extremely tight time frame. The team is judged on estimating, planning, scheduling, thoughtful methodology, creativity, understanding of construction techniques and challenges, and presentation skills.
For this competition, the students were required to submit a prequalification document at 7 a.m. on the first day of the competition. The teams received a request for proposals for a $22 million medical office building for a private orthopedic group. Over the next 17 hours, the teams were sequestered in hotel rooms, and had to create a design and produce an estimate as well as a schedule. To add further pressure, the "owners" submitted changes at various times throughout the day. Completed proposals were submitted at midnight.
Materials for the oral presentations were submitted to the judges by noon the next day, with the presentations made shortly thereafter. A debriefing after the presentations served as the educational component of the competition, allowing students to receive feedback and also ask questions of the judges.
Ladwig was president and project executive; Giacomini was vice president and senior project architect; Nesselhauf was director of pre-construction and senior estimator; Nolte was project manager and scheduler; Charles was senior project engineer and sustainable construction coordinator; while Coulson was project superintendent.
In addition to the SIUE construction faculty, several companies helped the team prepare for the competition: Tarlton Corporation, Korte Construction, McCarthy Building Companies, Kozeny-Wagner, and alumni of SIUE's construction program, who help pay for student registration and traveling expenses with an annual golf tournament fundraiser.
10/29/07
SIUE Alumni Board President Finds Treasure In His Basement
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Apparently, Dorothy Lexow of Edwardsville didn't mind that a university was springing up from the farm fields about a mile from her home. After all, her son, Larry, was a student there and she was interested in what was happening on campus.
How did she keep abreast of the news at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville? She read The Alestle, of course. Founded in 1957 as the Alton Residence Center News, the paper acquired its unique name a few years later. The newspaper came to represent the Alton, East St. Louis and Edwardsville campuses; hence, the name.
And, to this day, Larry Lexow wouldn't have found a stack of those newspapers well preserved in a box all these years later if Dorothy hadn't been reluctant to pitch them. "My mom was affectionately known as a pack rat," Lexow said. He began attending SIUE in fall 1971, graduating in 1975 with a degree in Mass Communications. He's now president of the SIUE Alumni Association.
His "treasure find" comes at the right time. SIUE is currently celebrating its 50th Anniversary and "first half century of excellence." The University has grown from 1,776 students in 1957 to nearly 13,500 students today. The University is considered a catalyst for the cultural and intellectual vitality and economic development of Southwestern Illinois and the greater St. Louis region.
"My mother and father were big supporters of SIUE and very interested in what went on at the University," Lexow said. "I would bring The Alestle home to read and she would go through them. I had no idea that she saved so many from that period (1970-75), but I recently was cleaning out some boxes in the basement and there they were."
Lexow said Dorothy was very interested in SIUE's development. Her son was the youngest of four siblings and the first one to attend college. "I grew up in a house on old Route 66 (now Illinois 157)," he pointed out. "The house is now used for our offices-Lexow Financial Group.
"SIUE was a major factor in my development and career. So, Mom always had a fondness for the University. She used to listen to me when I was on WSIE-FM every weekend with a show called The Weekender." Lexow explained that Dorothy had her fourth child when she was 40, while the others had grown and moved out. "I was raised like an only child. She was always very interested in my development and my career." Lexow said.
The headlines from Lexow's stash of Alestles could have been written today. "I find it fascinating that many of the headlines, the issues discussed and reported in these papers, could be re-published today and they would be relevant," he said. "Whether it's concern about the availability or the price of gasoline or student issues and complaints about parking on campus, these seem to be repeated quite a lot today."
Some of the early editions saved by his mother show the changing atmosphere on the campus at a time when the University was given autonomy from the Carbondale campus. "More services became available as SIUE became more autonomous and I could sense the change on this campus," Lexow explained.
"I had a chance to meet John Rendleman (SIUE's first president) because I was a member of Alpha Phi Omega, a service fraternity that was big on campus at the time. He was quite the speaker and seemed a real gentleman," lexow said. "A lot of the articles in these papers deal with Rendleman's vision and what SIUE was doing to realize that dream, such as the growth and the plan for a research park. It's interesting to read about the vision of the University at that time and how much of that vision has been realized." SIUE's University Park, founded in the mid-1980s, is a research and technology park, currently with 23 tenants representing a number of business sectors including agricultural biotechnology, health sciences, design professionals and Information Technology.
As a member of Alpha Phi Omega, Lexow was involved with the bonfire during Homecoming and the tricycle races in the old Hairpin for Springfest. "Of course, we painted the rock and we also had a tradition of putting a pumpkin and boxer shorts on Rodin's The Walking Man in Lovejoy Library. That was always fun to see if we could do that one without getting caught. And, we had Chimega (SIUE's first live mascot) here at that time. I occasionally helped the Cougar Guard and I had a chance to actually play with Chimega," Lexow said. "We would take her to SIUE basketball games, which at that time were played in the Edwardsville High School gymnasium. She was so sweet; just a big cat."
The Alestle articles reveal news of a burgeoning university in Southwestern Illinois and Lexow seems happy to reminisce about the "old days" on campus, reliving some of the activities at that time. "You can see that some of the issues still haven't been resolved," he points out.
Lexow muses that things haven't really changed all that much and also that what goes around comes around. "I was a student here and now I'm president of the Alumni Association Board," he said. "I guess the acorn hasn't fallen all that far from the tree." He also pointed out that recently the Office of Alumni Affairs sponsored the MRF (Mississippi River Festival) Bash and Lexow found many of articles about the MRF, indicating how popular the concert series was in the region for more than a decade.
Lexow said he hopes to donate the newspapers to the University in a way that others can have access. "I know that the University offers us so much today and what kind of struggle it was then to make that happen."
10/29/07
SIUE Ranked Among Princeton Review's 290 Best Business Schools
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's School of Business has been ranked as a Best 290 Business School in the 2008 edition of the Princeton Review.
Results are based on student surveys and institutional data from 2007. The Review stated students surveyed indicated they were drawn to the SIUE School of Business because of its reputation and its accreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)-International. Students also said they were attracted to "the convenience of night and weekend courses" and the school's affordability-being the most affordable tuition in Metropolitan St. Louis.
"We are pleased that the Princeton Review has confirmed that our School ranks among the country's best," said SIUE School of Business Interim Dean Tim Schoenecker. "Even more gratifying is that this recognition is based, in part, on feedback from our students."
The SIUE School of Business is among an elite 10 percent of business schools worldwide that have earned the prestigious seal of approval from the AACSB. Only 30 percent of all business schools in the United States are accredited by the AACSB.
The Princeton Review, based in New York, is known for its test-preparation courses, education services, and college and graduate school admission services. To learn more about the Princeton Review, visit the Web site: www.princetonreview.com.
10/26/07
Dance In Concert To Feature Piece Inspired By Trip To Cuba
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Two Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Department of Theater and Dance faculty visited Cuba earlier this year and came back with stories to tell and, of course, visions of spirited music and salsa dance.
Professors C. Otis Sweezey and J. Calvin Jarrell traveled to Cuba to soak in some culture and also bring back a flavor of the island to students. The results of their efforts will be seen in Fusión de Carnaval en Santiago de Cuba, a vibrant dance with nearly 20 dancers moving to the salsa beat but also with African influences and a contemporary dance flavor.
Fusión will appear in Dance In Concert 2007, set for 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, Nov. 7-10, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 11, all in the theater at SIUE's Katherine Dunham Hall. The concert also features works by Mikey Thomas and Kerry Shaul, also members of the SIUE dance faculty.
"I wanted to make contact with some Cuban dancers and/or choreographers and, perhaps, visit the National Dance Museum in Havana," Jarrell explained. "I met William Danger (DAHN-herr) who is artistic director of his own dance company, Santiago de Cuba, blending Cuban dance with contemporary movement."
Jarrell, who is a certified movement pattern analysis practitioner, said Cuban culture has for centuries had a tradition of music and dance. "The whole country moves, from the time they learn to walk," he said. "I was astonished to see that even elderly people dance and they were moving as exuberantly as the young people."
In Cuba, Carnaval finds its origins in the 18th Century when each city would celebrate on the feast day of that city's patron saint. Some 250 years later, the celebration came to symbolize Fidel Castro's takeover in 1959. "The first half of our dance has the Carnaval flavor embodied in the movement and in the costumes," Jarrell said, "but the second half blends African, Australian, jazz and fusion influences."
The Carnaval aspects also have been captured in Sweezey's exciting costumes. "Look anywhere in the Caribbean or Latin America," Sweezey said, "and you'll find vibrant colors, probably because the sun is so intense it brings out the natural colors of the islands. In turn, the colors are represented in the costume dance traditions. "They also use 'moveable floats' in the parades," Sweezey said. He noted Cubans construct lightweight metal structures with wheels over which parade participants drape the costume. "I decided these moveable float structures look like walkers that elderly people use to get around," he explained. "so I purchased a few walkers to save time and money.
Sweezey said he's incorporating a variety of colorful fabrics. "Some satins, shiny and sparkly fabrics," he pointed out. "But, when we move into the African portion of the dance, the costumes will change to African patterns as opposed to solid colors.
"It's going to be an exciting dance and I hope the costumes will add to that experience for the audience."
Thomas' piece, The Candy Pitch, is "a result of the aerial dance training we had last year for the dance students," Thomas said. "It's our chance to use that training." Thomas pointed out that the dance piece is reminiscent of a circus act à la Cirque du Soleil, "but without the height," he said. "The piece is extremely physically demanding, colorful and fast-paced. There's no intent to tell a story but I hope the audience will find a connection to circus."
Thomas explained that aerial dance started in the 1970s in California and was based on circus trapeze acts but with more artistry. "For our piece, most of the devices are low to the ground and we don't need nets," Thomas explained. "It's been quite physically challenging for the dancers. It's like going out on your swingset in the backyard and having a show."
Tickets to Dance in Concert 2007 may be purchased through SIUE's Fine Arts box office, (618) 650-2774, or, toll-free, (888) 328-5168, ext. 2774.
10/25/07
Historical Studies Professor To Share Research
Assistant Historical Studies Professor Laura Milsk Fowler, director of the Museum Studies Program in the Department of Historical Studies, will speak about "All Roads Lead to Chicago: Chicago's Downtown Railroad Terminals and Modern Public Space, 1871-1925'" as part of the Focus on Faculty Research series Nov. 8 in Lovejoy Library.
Fowler will speak at 1:30 p.m. that Thursday in the conference room on the third floor of Lovejoy. The series presents informal lectures about methodologies and resources for scholarly research. The presentation is open to SIUE employees and students; refreshments will be served.
The series is co-sponsored by the Projects and Development Committee of Library and Information Services and by the Graduate School.
10/25/07
MEDIA ADVISORY: Commencement Cancellation
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Because there will be renovations of SIUE's Vadalabene Center during the summer of 2008, summer commencement exercises originally slated for August 2008, have been cancelled.
Students preparing to graduate in the summer can walk at commencement exercises during fall 2008 ceremonies, which will be held Dec. 20, 2008, in the newly remodeled gymnasium.
Degrees still will be conferred upon students at the completion of the summer term. For more information, please call (618) 650-5765.
10/24/07
Anthro Students Win Statewide Awards
Lacey Heflin (BS, 2007) won the Illinois Archaeological Survey (IAS) Student Paper Award. She received the award at the IAS annual meeting in September. Earlier this month, it also was announced at the Midwest Archaeological Conference (MAC) that Heflin had won the 2007 MAC Student Paper Award. She tied with a student from Indiana for that honor. Erin Marks (BA, 2007) also presented her senior project at the MAC conference this month.
Marks was supported by the SIUE Undergraduate Research Academy, a program that offers stipends to undergraduate students as they do research often only accomplished by graduate students. "That's the third year in a row that an SIUE student has won the IAS student paper award," said Julie Holt, chair of the SIUE Department of Anthropology. "In 2005, Kelly Arnold won the MAC student paper award," Holt said. "Her senior project also was supported through the URA. Most remarkably, SIUE anthropology student Chris Hagan won the American Anthropological Association's (AAA) student paper award, also in 2005." The AAA is the premier professional anthropological association in the country, Holt explained.
"Professor Emeritus Ted Frisbie recently wrote to me that SIUE anthropology faculty of the 1970s 'built/created one of the finest undergrad programs in the country.' I don't know about the rest of the country, but I think it's safe to say that we have the best undergraduate program in the state of Illinois today. This is clear to me from the paper competitions and URA awards our students have won over the last several years, and also in their publication records. For example, the latest issue of Illinois Archaeology, which is a peer-reviewed journal, contains the senior projects of Mat Terry (2004) and Valerie Starr Eachus (2006); Kelly Arnold's senior project (2005) was published last year in Illinois Antiquity.
"Simply put, no other anthropology program in the state is engaging undergraduate students in research the way we are."
10/24/07
Performing Arts Student Named in Who's Who
(EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill.) A good student works hard, always does her homework and pays attention in class, says 12-year-old Ahmah Gladney. And she should know. Ahmah, an A-average scholar at Steger Sixth Grade Center in St. Louis and a dedicated student at the East St. Louis Center for the Performing Arts, was listed in the recent 5th and 6th Grade Edition of Who's Who Among Outstanding Students of America 2006-2007.
"School is important because it gives me knowledge of what I need to know in the future to survive," said the sixth grader. "It's also important to keep learning and not just be concerned with grades, because grades only tell you how well you did on an assignment."
Virginia Walker, Ahmah's fifth grade teacher, nominated her for the national recognition because of academic excellence. According to Who's Who, some of Ahmah's accolades and involvements included: Distinguished Honor Roll, Outstanding Academic Achievement Award, Math Award, Battle of the Books, Principal's Award, Science Fair Award, State Scholar, Class Representative, Peer Tutor and Community Volunteer.
She was also listed as participating in ballet, jazz dance, drama, modern dance and school musicals, most of which she studied at the SIUE East St. Louis Center for the Performing Arts, where Katherine Dunham Certified Master Teacher Theodore H. Jamison is program director.
Ahmah has been a student at the Performing Arts Center for the past six years and has become trained in West African dance and the Katherine Dunham Technique, said her mother, Flora Gladney. "She was asked to teach her classmates West African dance and Dunham Technique," Ms. Gladney said, "and her class performed on Cultural Exchange Day (when she was a student) at Edgar Road Elementary."
A lot of potential is wrapped up in the 12-year-old, said Jack Williams, staff instructor at the SIUE East St. Louis Center for Performing Arts who has taught Ahmah for the last five years. "She is a very dedicated student and has an excellent memory. She retains choreography very well," Williams said. "If ever anyone forgets something, we just have to ask Ahmah. She has a steel-trap mind."
Ahmah is also a joy to work with, said her longtime dance instructor, Jamila Ajanaku. "She never gets angry when you give her instructions, but tries very hard," said Ajanaku, staff member at the Performing Arts Center. "She's very focused and always attentive." According to Ajanaku, Ahmah "wasn't that good" when she first came to the Performing Arts Center."But she's gotten much better," Ajanaku said. "She still has a long way to go, but you can see the progress."
Even with all of Ahmah's extracurricular involvements, in recent years she has scored an average of 97 percent on the State Assessment test (Terra Nova) and scored in the proficiency average range and advanced proficiency range on the Missouri Assessment Program, Ms. Gladney said.
Ahmah says she's excited about her future academic days, considering possible career choices in the fields of law, science or acting. "I haven't totally made up my mind," Ahmah said, "but I know it's going to take hard work."
10/24/07
Sig Ep Chapter Raises $4,000 for Youth AIDS
The men of Sigma Phi Epsilon Illinois Eta Chapter at SIUE recently held its Greek Goddess pageant on campus, raising $4,000 for the national Youth AIDS' prevention education program. Nationally, Sigma Phi Epsilon is the largest fraternal organization partnered with Youth AIDS, creating campaigns to educate students on the awareness and severity of the global fight against AIDS. Last year, Sig Ep nationally raised more than $200,000 for Youth AIDS.
Greek Goddess is a beauty pageant in which each SIUE Greek Life organization has one female representative. There are three events throughout the night: formal wear, fraternity/sorority wear, and night wear. As each event is completed, Sig Ep brothers go through the crowd and collect votes for each individual contestant. Each vote costs a dollar; at the end of the night the contestant with the most votes/money will be crowned Greek Goddess. This year, Rachel Latinette, representing Alpha Kappa Lambda fraternity, and a member of Alpha Phi, was crowned the 2007 Greek Goddess.
10/24/07
Fresh, Fun Ideas Will Fly During Idea Bounce At SIUE
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Those who have ideas for businesses or want to discuss their ideas with a group of experienced business owners and potential investors are invited to attend Idea Bounce from 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 14, at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
The event will take place in Goshen Lounge, on the first floor of SIUE's Morris University Center. "This is an opportunity to share creative, innovative and maybe just weird ideas," said Kristine Jarden, director of the Southwestern Illinois Entrepreneurship Center at SIUE.
Ideas can be submitted at www.ideabounce.com. Once ideas are submitted, individuals will have a chance to present ideas during the hour-long event and possibly win prizes.
The event is sponsored by the Entrepreneurship Center. For more information, or to register, call Jarden, (618) 650-2166, or e-mail kpolo@siue.edu. Registration also can take place at the event. For more details, visit www.siue.edu/BUSINESS/EC.
10/24/07
SIUE Housing Director Chosen As VP Of International Association
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Michael Schultz, director of university housing at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, has been elected vice president of the Association of College and University Housing Officers International (ACUHO-I).
ACUHO-I, of which Schultz has been a member for more than 25 years, is comprised of more than 5,800 members representing 800 colleges and universities from countries from around the world, including the U.S., Canada, Mexico, England, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and more. Members represent institutions that provide services to 1.8 million students around the globe and 205 companies.
The volunteer-driven association is based on the campus of The Ohio State University.
"I'm very excited about the challenge before me," Schultz said.
Schultz, who has served in other leadership roles in the organization, has taken the helm as vice president for 2007-2008 and will serve as president elect in 2008-2009. He will assume the role of president of the association for the academic year 2009-2010.
Schultz has been with SIUE university housing since 1989. During his tenure, the University has built four residence halls and made major on-campus housing renovations in Cougar Village.
In 2005, SIUE was designated a primarily residential university by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education. Currently more than 3,500 students live on campus.
10/22/07
Entrepreneurship Center At SIUE To Co-Sponsor Summit
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Jerome Katz, the Coleman Chair of Entrepreneurship at Saint Louis University, will speak about obtaining financing through relatives and friends in starting a business at the Southwestern Illinois Entrepreneurship Summit on Nov. 13 at River's Edge Enterprise Center, 1635 W. First St., Granite City. Registration deadline is Nov. 9.
The summit-scheduled from 2-6 p.m. that Tuesday and co-sponsored by the Southwestern Illinois Entrepreneurship Center at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville-will give attendees the opportunity to hear from successful entrepreneurs and learn about how to overcome various entrepreneurial barriers at any age.
It also will feature presentations designed to educate attendees on the local entrepreneurial resources available. The conference aims to facilitate networking and relationship-building between various industry participants, entrepreneurs, start-up businesses and other attendees.
In addition to the Entrepreneurship Center at SIUE, co-sponsors include the Madison-Bond Workforce Investment Board, the SIUE School of Business, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Mid America Workforce Investment Board, Madison County, St. Clair County, SIUE's University Park, Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois, the Growth Association of Southwestern Illinois, River's Edge Enterprise Center and the Tri-City Port Authority.
Cost of the event is $25. For more information, and/or to register, contact Kristine Jarden, (618) 650-2166, or by e-mail: kpolo@siue.edu. To register online, visit the SIUE School of Business Web site: www.siue.edu/business.
10/22/07
SIUE's Hagan Inducted Into EdTA Hall of Fame
Lana Hagan, director of theater education in the SIUE Department of Theater and Dance, was among four inductees to the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA) Hall of Fame for 2007. She was honored at a ceremony recently at the EdTA Annual Conference in New York City.
A professional organization dedicated to theater education and founded in 1929, EdTA's mission is to create a network for theater arts educators, students, professionals and enthusiasts to share ideas and support the effort to have theater arts education (including film, television, and other related media) recognized in all phases of education and lifelong learning. EdTA operates the International Thespian Society (ITS), an honorary organization for middle school and high school theater students.
The inductees are EdTA members who have been nominated for the honor by a peer or student for dedicating 20 or more years of service to the cause of theater education. Hagan has been involved with EdTA since the beginning of her career as a theater educator in 1983 at Washington High School in Washington, Mo. While there she served as director of the school's International Thespian Society troupe 4233-which is EdTA's student honorary organization. Hagan also has served as Missouri State Thespian chapter director and EdTA leadership coach.
A graduate of Webster University and Roosevelt University, Hagan has been in the classroom for more than 20 years, transforming the theater program at Washington High from one drama class into a full curriculum. In 1997, she joined SIUE, where she created the undergraduate theater education program. "In whatever dramatic direction she travels, Lana is a pacesetter," says Carol Lommen, a theater educator in Las Vegas and one of two individuals to nominate Hagan to the Hall of Fame. "She brings energy, innovation and growth, and is an exemplary educator."
Debbie Corbin, director of Thespian troupe 3482 at Branson (MO) High School, who also nominated Hagan, said, "Ever since I became involved with Missouri State Thespians, Lana has served as a personal mentor for me. She offers encouragement and support and is completely dedicated to the field of theater education."
EdTA Executive Director Michael Peitz echoed that sentiment: "From her work as a Thespian troupe director to her service as the Missouri State Thespian chapter director and as an EdTA leadership coach, Lana has given her talents and time in service to students, adults and the Association. Her work in and out of the classroom, and on the stage, has touched the lives of many students and EdTA members. This is a fitting accolade for someone who has advanced the cause of theater education and shows no sign of slowing down in the future."
10/19/07
October Employee Of The Month
Congratulations: Bonnie Sanderson (second from right), administrative clerk in the Office of Academic Counseling and Advising, is recipient of the October Employee Recognition Award. She is shown here with Kristi Halfond, an advisor in the same office who nominated Sanderson; Kenneth Neher (far left), and Bill Hendey, director of Academic Counseling and Advising. In addition to the plaque she received, Sanderson was awarded a $25 gift certificate to the SIUE Bookstore, a parking spot close to her office for one month, and two complimentary lunch coupons to the University Restaurant. (SIUE Photo by Bill Brinson)
10/19/07
Two Speakers Slated To Discuss Sociological, Criminal Justice Issues
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice Studies will host two free events that are open to the public, featuring two distinguished speakers, Thursday, Nov. 8, in the Mississippi Room, on the second floor of SIUE's Morris Center.
At noon, Marc Boucher, head of the Quebec Government Office in Chicago, will present Québec, Canada and the Evolution of La Francophonie in North America. Boucher will lead a discussion on the many issues regarding the history and current state of French-speaking North America.
At 7 p.m., James Loewen, distinguished scholar and author of Lies My Teacher Told Me and Lies Across America as well as his latest work, Sundown Towns, will offer insight about race and take audience questions. The event is co-sponsored by the Illinois Department of Human Rights and the Metropolitan St. Louis Equal Housing Opportunity Council.
10/19/07
Sou'wester To Celebrate Nearly 50 Years Of Publishing Oct. 25
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Sou'wester magazine, a literary journal of the Department of English Language and Literature at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, will celebrate nearly 50 years of continuous publication Oct. 25 with several visiting writers, including published authors Steve Davenport, an SIUE alumnus, and Kyle Minor.
The event will take place at 7 p.m. in the Maple-Dogwood Room, on the second floor of SIUE's Morris Center. It's part of SIUE's 50th Anniversary Celebration activities. Sou'wester primarily has published poetry and prose since it began in 1960. "It is a literary journal that has published writers from across the county," says Allison Funk, professor of poetry at SIUE and current co-editor of the journal.
"We are now publishing writers beyond our national borders, too," Funk said. "Recent issues have included work from Europe and an upcoming issue includes two Bengali poets."
Funk, author of three books of poetry and a member of the creative writing faculty in the department, explained that various department faculty members have served as editors through the years, including her current co-editor, Valerie Vogrin, also a member of the creative writing faculty and author of a novel.
Davenport served as a former Sou'wester student editor as other students have throughout the years. "In recent years, we've published Steve's poetry and we're hoping to highlight his work at the Oct. 25 event," Funk said. Davenport is associate director of creative writing at the University of Illinois-Urbana and creative non-fiction editor of the Ninth Letter, a literary journal published by the U of I.
Recipient of an Illinois Arts Council prose award, Davenport's work has appeared in The Iowa Review, Fiction International, CutBank and many other journals. His book of poems, Uncontainable Noise (Pavement Saw Books, 2007), will be available for purchase at the event.
Minor, whose fiction also has appeared in Sou'wester, is a visiting writer at the University of Toledo. His fiction also has appeared in The Gettysburg Review, The Southern Review and the Random House Anthology of Twentysomething Essays by Twentysomething Writers.
"Many people ask us about the significance of the title, Sou'wester," Funk pointed out. "It simply indicates that the journal is published in Southwestern Illinois."
Refreshments will be served at the Oct 25 event and copies of the Sou'wester, published in the fall and spring, will be available for purchase. For more information about the Sou'wester celebration, call the SIUE Department of English Language and Literature, (618) 650-2060.
SIUE is proud to celebrate its 50th Anniversary and first half century of excellence. The University has grown from 1,776 students in 1957 to nearly 13,500 students today. SIUE is a catalyst for the cultural and intellectual vitality and economic development of Southwestern Illinois and the greater St. Louis region.
10/19/07
SIUE Associate Professor Appears On Extreme Makover Home Edition
(PINON, Ariz.) Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Associate Professor Bill Retzlaff, a faculty member and chair of the biological sciences department, prepared environmentally friendly features for a home on Extreme Makeover Home Edition. The segment will air at 8 p.m./7 p.m. central time Sunday, Oct. 28, on ABC TV.
Retzlaff, who also is the coordinator of SIUE's Green Roof Environmental Evaluation Network (G.R.E.E.N.), worked with local green roof consultants and research colleagues Kelly Luckett, president of Green Roof Blocks, a division of St. Louis Metalworks, Mike Crowell, vice president of St. Louis Metalworks and Vic Jost of Jost Greenhouses, Des Peres, Mo.
"My research collaborators, Green Roof Blocks, were asked by ABC to put a green roof on this home that they were trying to turn into a "green" home, or, an environmentally friendly home," Retzlaff said. "I joined our installation team from St. Louis in Arizona to place a modular green roof system on the project home in a seven-hour period on a Sunday afternoon.
"We also placed a green roof on a storage shed, which contains all the water tanks for the home's solar hot water heater."
Retzlaff continued: "Green roof installation involves arranging specially engineered roofing systems, containing growing medium and plants as components to new or existing roof projects. The use of a green roof in place of traditional roofing has the potential to cut electric costs, reduce storm water runoff, and promote a healthier environment."
10/18/07
SIUE Emeritus Professor Inducted Into Illinois Senior Hall Of Fame
(SPRINGFIELD, Ill.) Eugene Redmond, emeritus professor of English language and literature at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, recently was inducted into the 2007 Illinois Senior Hall of Fame at the Governor's Mansion in Springfield. The Illinois General Assembly established the state senior hall of fame in 1994 as a way to recognize people who selflessly give their time and talents and serve as role models to younger generations.
10/18/07
Fourth SIUE School of Nursing Alumni Heritage Walk A Success
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) More than 180 alumni, health care representatives, students, friends, faculty and staff turned out recently for the Fourth Annual Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Nursing Alumni Heritage Walk for Nursing Scholarships. The event, organized as part of the School of Nursing's Alumni Weekend, raised more than $5,800 for student scholarships. For information, or to register for next year's walk, contact Kris Heather in the School of Nursing, (618) 650-2551, or kheathe@siue.edu. Also as part of the weekend of activities, the school held a Dedication to the Profession Ceremony and the First Annual School of Nursing Faculty Banquet and Awards.
10/17/07
Acting Now for the Next 50 Years!-Chancellor's Report To University
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is acting now for the next 50 years, said Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift today in his annual Report to the University.
Vandegrift addressed the University community, neighboring community leaders, legislators and guests, during his annual report in SIUE's Meridian Ballroom.
"We are here, at this place, at this time, because of the passion, vision, and action of SIUE's founders and the many contributions of faculty, staff, students and friends over 50 years," he said. "And the actions of our leaders of 50 years ago have transformed our region.
"Fifty years ago, we were a branch campus of SIU. Today, SIUE is Illinois' highest-ranked public Master's level university and ranks as a top-10 public Midwest Master's level university according to the 2008 edition of "America's Best Colleges" published by U.S. News & World Report."
The Chancellor also remarked with pride that SIUE has been ranked for three consecutive years by U.S. News among America's 13 Best Institutions, along with Harvard University and MIT, for its Senior Assignment Program, which is an integrative learning experience required for all seniors prior to graduation.
The University's Senior Assignment Program additionally was ranked as a national model for learning assessment in 2007 by the Association of American Colleges & Universities.
Vandegrift touted the East St. Louis Higher Education Campus "as a model for university citizenship to its region," taking in more than $12 million in state, federal and private grants for programs annually, and the SIU School of Dental Medicine in Alton as "one of the nation's premier dental schools," leading to the graduation of more than 1,400 dentists in its 32-year history.
The Chancellor acknowledged the announcement last month that in 2009 the American Red Cross will open a new Blood Processing Center and National Testing Laboratory facility, bringing more than 500 new jobs to SIUE's University Park, which speaks to the University's vitality and strong economic impact on the region.
Again, the University's partnerships with area community colleges-Lewis and Clark Community College and Southwestern Illinois College-were highlighted. Earlier this fall, the University received more than 7,000 applications from prospective freshmen from 104 Illinois counties, 37 states, and 16 countries for 1829 freshman seats, "securing SIUE's status as a first-tier, first-choice university," Vandegrift said.
The University's average ACT score for the fall 2007 freshman class was 22.5, up from 21.9 in 2003-two points higher than the Illinois average and a point higher than the national average.
Because the University has turned 50, the Chancellor said a special focus needs to be placed on maintaining resources, updating and improving existing spaces and classrooms, following the progress on the proposed $70 million Science Building and expansion this fall, moving forward with plans to take the University's athletics teams to NCAA Division I competition, forging ahead with the leadership stage of the University's first-ever capital campaign and using an equity formula established by the Faculty Senate to address faculty salaries.
Vandegrift challenged the University to improve the six-year graduation rate; focus on student success; improve educational outreach and provide more opportunities for lifelong learning.
10/17/07
Hundreds Of Students Expected To Attend Regional College Fair At SIUE
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Representatives from approximately 100 colleges, universities and branches of the military, and as many as 2,000 high school students and their families are expected to converge at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 23, for the annual Illinois College Exposition (ICE) Regional College Fair.
The ICE Fair, sponsored by the Illinois Association for College Admission Counseling (IACAC), will be conducted in SIUE's Morris University Center. Registration is not required and there is no cost to attend. Free parking is available in campus lots P4-P9. Additional information is available in local high school guidance offices and in community college counseling centers.
Historically, college fairs were held several times a year at various area high schools. The ICE Fair is a consolidated opportunity to explore a wide variety of higher education options. Karen Bollinger, ICE On-Site chairperson, said: "the regional college fair concept continues to support its ultimate goal to help students learn more about post secondary education options.
"Designed for high school juniors, seniors and community college transfer students, the ICE Fair gives students and parents an opportunity to speak with more than 100 private and public educational institutions in a well-structured setting." Bollinger said.
Judy Verseman, director of guidance at Edwardsville High School, likes the regional concept. "This fair gives prospective students and their parents access to a variety of colleges and universities at one site. It is exciting to see our students have this opportunity."
The ICE Fair is a result of a collaborative effort among area high school counselors and college admission professionals to best serve area students who are in the process of choosing a college or university.
10/17/07
FOTAD Presents Its Tenth Annual Mystery Dinner Theater At SIUE
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Stan Spade , the less capable brother of the famous hard-boiled detective, Sam, knew the blonde was trouble the moment she walked into his office. But she was blonde. What could he do?
For the answer to that question, come to the 10th Annual Friends of Theater and Dance (FOTAD) Mystery Dinner Theater and Silent Auction on Sunday, Nov. 4. FOTAD is the support organization for the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Department of Theater and Dance. Proceeds from the Nov. 4 event will benefit FOTAD's scholarship fund for SIUE theater and dance majors. Reservations must be made by Nov. 1.
Written by S.J. Morrison, a member of the FOTAD board, and acted by several community supporters seen locally on stage, the Maltese Cougar promises to be a hilarious "whodunit." The event will take place in the University Restaurant, on the second floor of SIUE's Morris Center.
Have you been waiting for an evening of dinner, shopping, and detective work? The FOTAD Mystery Dinner Theater and Silent Auction is a perfect opportunity to accomplish all three. Doors open at 6:15 p.m.; guests may view silent auction items until approximately 7 p.m. when the play will begin and dinner will be served. Tickets are $35 per person and include dinner as well as several chances to win attendance prizes.
For reservation information, call the SIUE Fine Arts box office, (618) 650-2774, or, from St. Louis toll-free, (888) 328-5168, Ext. 2774.
10/11/07
Retired Four-Star Gen. McCaffrey To Speak Oct. 27 For Arts & Issues
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Retired Four-Star Gen. Barry R. McCaffrey, a commander during Desert Storm in Iraq and one of the most decorated generals in the U.S. Army at the time of his retirement, will speak about the "War on Terrorism" on Saturday, Oct. 27, as part of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Arts & Issues series.
McCaffrey will make his appearance at 8 p.m. in Meridian Ballroom, on the first floor of SIUE's Delyte W. Morris University Center. McCaffrey's appearance is co-sponsored by Commerce Bank.
Arts & Issues, which has a long-standing tradition of bringing world-class performers and noted speakers to Southwestern Illinois, is presenting its 23rd terrific season. Grant Andree, coordinator of the series, said McCaffrey had an exemplary military career and has been much in demand as a consultant on military matters and currently serves as a national security and terrorism analyst for NBC News. He also writes a column about national security for the Armed Forces Journal.
Andree said McCaffrey is a perfect example of the kind of provocative speaker Arts & Issues has attracted for the past 22 years. "Gen. McCaffrey's distinguished military career and the knowledge he has amassed in observing what goes on in Washington and at the Pentagon brings a keen focus on the current troubles in the Middle East," Andree pointed out.
In addition to operating his own consultant firm, McCaffrey also is an adjunct professor of International Affairs for the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. From 2002 to 2005, McCaffrey served at West Point as the Bradley Distinguished Professor of International Security Studies.
A graduate of Phillips Academy in Andover, Mass., McCaffrey earned a master's in civil government at the American University. He attended the Harvard National Security Program as well as that university's Business School Executive Education Program. He has been elected to and currently serves on boards of directors at several firms including membership in the CSIS U.S.-Mexico Bi-national Council and the board of advisors of the National Infantry Foundation.
After unanimous confirmation by the U.S. Senate in 1996, McCaffrey served as director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) until he stepped down in 2001. As ONDCP director, McCaffrey coordinated the $19 billion federal drug control budget and developed the U.S. National Drug Control Strategy.
Active in national security affairs, McCaffrey has co-chaired the Atlantic Council of the United States NATO Counterterrorism Working Group, leading a delegation to Moscow, Mons, Brussels and Warsaw. In 2004, he addressed the Security of the Americas Conference in Mexico City and met with senior officials of the Mexican government. In February, McCaffrey traveled to Cuba where he met with Fidel Castro and his brother, Raul, to discuss U.S.-Cuba policies.
McCaffrey has been awarded numerous honors and in 2004 was recognized as one of the 500 Most Influential People in American Foreign Policy by the World Affairs Councils of America.
During his military career, McCaffrey served as commander-in-chief of the U.S. Armed Forces Southern Command, coordinating national security operations in Latin America. He served overseas for 13 years and completed four combat tours including the 400-kilometer left hook attack into Iraq, commanding the 24th Infantry Division (Mech.). He twice received the Distinguished Service Cross, the nation's second highest medal for valor. He also was awarded two Silver Stars and received three Purple Hearts for wounds sustained in combat.
He also served as assistant to then-Gen. Colin Powell and supported the chairman as the JCS advisor to the Secretary of State and the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.
Remaining Arts & Issues speakers during the 2007-08 season include Anna Deavere Smith, playwright, professor and performance artist, at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 27, in Meridian; and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and best-selling author Anna Quindlen, at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 24, in Meridian, sponsored by National City Bank.
To obtain a season brochure and purchase tickets, call (618) 650-2774 or visit the Web site: artsandissues.com. For additional information about the Arts & Issues series, call Grant Andree, (618) 650-2626.
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10/11/07
FOTAD's A Season For The Child Subscription Tickets On Sale Now
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Subscription tickets are on sale now for the 19th year of A Season for the Child (SfC), the family-oriented live theater season sponsored by the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Friends of Theater and Dance (FOTAD) and TheBANK of Edwardsville.
SfC features professional theater troupes from St. Louis staging adaptations of various children's stories, using interactive techniques that not only delight children and parents, but also provide a learning experience.
The 2007-08 season kicks off with a delightful play, The Wisdom of Fools, at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20, in the theater at SIUE's Katherine Dunham Hall. Wisdom is based on Chelm folktales, a tradition of Jewish humor about the Ukrainian people of Chelm. Supposedly inhabited by fools, the Chelm folktales display what might be called "foolish wisdom."
Piwacket Theatre Company of St. Louis will present this charming play about adventures of three fools as they discover the meaning of common sense. It promises to be hilarious. Piwacket is in its 16th season of captivating young audiences with cleverly adapted tales, filled with catchy songs, dance, colorful costumes and magical props.
FOTAD, a support group for the SIUE Department of Theater and Dance, uses the proceeds to help fund merit awards for talented SIUE theater and dance students. Each year, the organization awards some $5,000 in merit scholarships to qualified students. FOTAD also funds scholarships for new freshmen entering the theater and dance program.
Subscription tickets are $16 per person for all four shows-a $4 savings-while individual tickets are $5 per person. Tickets are available through the SIUE Fine Arts box office, (618) 650-2774. Other productions during the 2007-08 season include The Ant and the Grasshopper (2 and 7 p.m.) Dec. 1; Goldilocks and the Three Bears, at 7 p.m. Jan. 26; and A Midsummer Night's Dream … In the Wink of an Eye at 7 on March 29.
10/10/07
Prime Real Estate Available In SIUE's University Park
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The building site on the corner of Illinois 157 and University Park Drive is now available for lease due to the expiration of the Spring Green Lodge Conference Center ground lease.
"We regret that the Conference Center project didn't work out," said Jim Pennekamp, executive director of University Park SIUE Inc. "At the same time we believe that the property offers excellent development potential including high visibility and access to university amenities."
University Park officials are now preparing a request for proposal offering the site in its current condition to developers for adaptive reuse. If no acceptable reuse is identified the site will be cleared and restored to its original condition.
University Park's mission is to mobilize the vast intellectual, applied research and business capabilities of SIUE and to facilitate interaction with leading-edge research and technology based businesses. University Park offers emerging industries and businesses the resources to gain a competitive edge; it benefits the economic development of the region by attracting new business and investment dollars to the area; and offers students and faculty the opportunity to conduct applied research.
University Park currently has 23 tenants representing a number of business sectors including agricultural biotechnology, health sciences, design professionals and Information Technology.
The most recent addition to the Park, announced on Sept. 12, is the American Red Cross Blood Processing Center and National Testing Laboratory. The American Red Cross will locate on a 15-acre site at the corner of University Park Drive and South Research Drive bringing over 500 highly-skilled jobs to the park.
10/5/07
SIUE Friends Of Religious Center Awards Dinner Set For Oct. 20
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) A St. Louis architect whose firm has more than 20 years experience in religious architecture, will be honored Saturday, Oct. 20, at the Fifth Annual Spiritual Awards Dinner, sponsored by the Friends of the Religious Center (FRC) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Dinner reservation deadline is Oct. 16.
Architect Gary Karasek of Belleville, a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), will receive the FRC's 2007 Spiritual Leadership Award at the Oct. 20 event scheduled at 6:30 p.m. in the SIUE Religious Center, the geodesic dome just east of the SIUE Art and Design Building. The dinner's theme this year is "A Fuller Future: Historic Preservation for the Religious Center Dome." The evening's theme also honors internationally known visionary innovator R. Buckminster Fuller, the late SIUE faculty member and designer of the Religious Center geodesic dome. Fuller's work emphasized environmentally sound practices to sustain the well-being of human life and the planet. The FRC is dedicated to Fuller's vision of ecological innovation and stewardship.
Karasek, president of his own firm-Karasek-is an architect, landscape designer, illustrator, painter and creator of public art. A LEED-certified architect, Karasek's current work is considered on the leading edge of "green architecture." LEED is an acronym for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. "Gary has contributed a master plan and vision for spiritual gardens to surround the Religious Center, providing walkways, a reflective pool and gardens for dialogue and contemplation," says Tom Kinsella, who is FRC president and a local home contractor.
Tickets are $25 per person, which includes dinner and free parking. Reservations may be made by calling the Religious Center, (618) 650-3246, or by e-mailing jjacobso@siue.edu. Revenue from the event as well as donations will help to support the FRC's new historic preservation project to nominate the Religious Center for local and national historic recognition.
The FRC established the Spiritual Leadership Awards (originally the Interfaith Leadership Awards) in 2003 to recognize religious leadership and interfaith cooperation in the region. "Gary has volunteered his time and expertise as a Friend of the Religious Center for many years," Kinsella said.
Kinsella explained that the FRC, formed more than six years ago, sponsors two main events each year to raise money to refurbish parts of the 36-year-old Religious Center that are in need of repair. "We offer this Spiritual Awards Dinner in the fall and also the Celebration of World Faiths in the spring to encourage interfaith dialogue.
"The FRC is a support group dedicated to preserving the SIUE Religious Center as a significant contribution to architecture," Kinsella said, "as a place for the spiritual growth of SIUE students as the next generation of leaders, and for religious learning and fellowship within the community."
Past recipients of the Spiritual Leadership Award include Narbeth Emmanuel, vice chancellor for Students Affairs at SIUE; the late Nasir Ahmed and Mrs. Ahmed of the Islamic Information Center of St. Louis; Edwardsville Mayor Gary Niebur, executive director of the Edwardsville YMCA; Tina Huck and Judy Williamson, administrators of the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows Annual Festival of Faiths and Cultures; Rowena McClinton, SIUE professor of Historical Studies and director of Native American Studies in that department; Rev. Douglas Cripe, leader of the Metro-East Interfaith Partnership; Bonnie Dineen, member of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Parish in St. Louis, who made a peace pilgrimage to Bosnia; and Ashok Malhotra,a professor at the State University of New York at Oneonta and founder of the Ninash Foundation, which constructs schools in impoverished communities of India.
10/5/07
SIUE Director To Receive NCURA Distinguished Service Award
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Josephine Barnes, director of the Office of Research and Projects (ORP) in the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Graduate School, recently was named as recipient of the Distinguished Service Award from the National Council of University Research Administrators (NCURA).
Barnes will receive the award Nov. 5 during a recognition luncheon at NCURA's 49th Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C. Among five recipients, Barnes is being recognized for "sustained and distinctive contributions to the organization." She has served as a presenter at numerous NCURA meetings and conferences, including as chair of the National NCURA Minority Participation task Force and serving as faculty on the special traveling NCURA/UNCF Fundamentals Workshop.
Barnes also is a Region IV past Executive Committee member and award winner for her willingness to offer time and talent to the region. She also was a member of the Finance and Budget Committee and in 2000 she served on the Program Committee for the inaugural Financial Research Administration Conference.
Before entering her current post in 2001, Barnes had been assistant director of ORP for seven years. Before coming to SIUE in 1994, Barnes was a senior accountant/project coordinator with Fidia Research Foundation in Washington, D.C., where she was responsible for fiscal management of major grants awarded to Georgetown from Fidia.
Her career includes more than 26 years in administrative and accounting experience with an emphasis in the nonprofit sector for agencies with budgets ranging from $1 million to $40 million. At SIUE she directs, manages and coordinates post award financial and nonfinancial activities for the University.
From 1998 to 2002, Barnes served on the faculty of the NCURA United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Fundamentals in Sponsored Projects Administration sponsored in part by the U.S. Department of Defense. As part of the faculty, she provided workshops to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) minority institutions, which included Hispanic and Indian Tribal Institutions throughout the United States.
Barnes also has conducted grant management workshops for NASA and was a National Science Foundation Computer, Science, Engineering, Math and Science Proposal Reviewer from 2002-04.
10/5/07
SIUE Emeritus Gerontology Professor Receives Pioneering Award
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Anthony Traxler, emeritus professor of gerontology in the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Department of Psychology, recently was presented the Pioneering and Leadership Award by the Local Area Network on Mental Health and Aging for his lifelong service to the elderly and to those with mental disabilities.
Traxler-who received the award at the 12th Annual and 2nd Regional Behavioral Health, Aging and Wellness Conference in Fairview Heights-was cited for his "lifelong dedication and exemplary performance in the development and enhancement of national and state programs in the field of education and services for mental health and aging."
Earlier this year, Traxler received the Mental Health Hero Award from the Community Counseling Center in Alton for his role as an adviser with the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill and the Psi Chi Honor Society, as well as his work with the Madison County Mental Health Board and other work as a leader in education, training, research and services dedicated to mental health and aging issues.
During 38 years with SIUE, Traxler won several awards including the Kimmel Community Service Award, 12 academic honors and awards, and numerous grants to support gerontological services and training. He developed the gerontology certificate program at SIUE and has written more than 190 research papers and presentations.
10/4/07
Student Art Therapy Assoc. To Present Puppetry, Storytelling Lecturer
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Lani Gerity, an art therapist who integrates puppetry and storytelling in her therapeutic work, will speak at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 12, in Room 2401 of Alumni Hall at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. The event is sponsored by the SIUE Student Art Therapy Association.
Gerity will speak about "Fourteen Secrets for a Happy Artist's Life: Creating Resilience with Puppets and Storytelling," sharing her work in art making, community building, and resilience with Hurricane Katrina survivors.
Gerity earned a master's and a doctorate at New York University and also is an author and a world traveler. She says her passions have led her to seek therapeutic value in non-traditional art forms. Doll making, puppet making and creating "eZines full of encouragement and alternative arts" are where Gerity, who lives in a sea cottage in Nova Scotia, says she is currently focusing her creative skills.
The Oct. 12 event is funded through student activity fees, the SIUE Friends of Art, Student Art Therapy Association and the art therapy area of the SIUE Department of Art and Design. Admission is $5; SIUE students are free.
For more information, contact Linda Brady, (618) 593-0455 or lindabrady@charter.net, or Rosemary Barnes, rbarnes@siue.edu, to schedule an interview.
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is proud to celebrate its 50th Anniversary and first half century of excellence. The University has grown from 1,776 students in 1957 to nearly 13,500 students today. SIUE is a catalyst for the cultural and intellectual vitality and economic development of Southwestern Illinois and the greater St. Louis region.
10/4/07
SIUE, SLU, Washington University and SIU Med School Collaborate
Focus on Child Health: Landmark National Research Initiative to Examine Development of St. Louis Kids
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The National Institutes of Health has selected the city of St. Louis and Macoupin County, Ill., as sites for the National Children's Study, the largest study of child and human health ever conducted in the United States. The extensive population-based study looks at the health and development of children by following them from before birth to adulthood.
"The National Children's Study is an investment in the future," says Terry Leet, Ph.D., lead investigator of the St. Louis and Macoupin County study sites and chairman of the department of community health at Saint Louis University School of Public Health.
"Examining the kinds of questions that influence the health and well-being of children is critically important to the entire community, whether you are a parent, grandparent or researcher. What we find could be a potential gold mine of data for scientists who are studying what causes diseases in children."
Saint Louis University School of Public Health is partnering on the project with Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Nursing, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and St. Louis Battelle Memorial Institute.
As the lead institution, Saint Louis University School of Public Health has received a $26 million, five-year grant from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and a consortium of federal agencies including the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Saint Louis University is one of 22 new study centers added to the National Children's Study, which will follow a representative sample of 100,000 children from before birth to age 21. The study seeks information to prevent and treat some of the nation's most pressing health problems, including autism, birth defects, diabetes, heart disease and obesity.
Saint Louis University expects to enroll 250 participants from the city of St. Louis and 250 participants from Macoupin County, a rural county, for each of four years starting in 2009.
SIU School of Medicine in Springfield will provide expertise and liaison to various health care providers as SIU physicians offer both obstetrical and primary care services in central Illinois, including Macoupin County. SIU graduates also are in practice in the region.
"This project offers the chance to put the St. Louis area and Macoupin County on the forefront of research into maternal and child health," Leet says. "It also fosters collaboration between the region's key research institutions."
The study examines health patterns of a large population and is similar in scope to the Framingham Heart Study and the Women's Health Initiative, which also investigated risk factors for major chronic diseases. Data will be collected at home and in health clinics.
The study begins either prior to conception or in the first trimester of pregnancy.
"There are a lot of things that happen prior to birth that set the thermostat on how vulnerable you are to risk factors for diseases," says Louise Flick, Dr.PH, co-principal investigator and professor of nursing from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Nursing. "We are studying children to age 21 because some of the exposures we suspect are important have consequences that take a lot time to develop."
Researchers will gather data on a child's genetic makeup and a number of biological, chemical, environmental, physical and psychosocial factors. Most of the money from the grant will be spent hiring data collectors for both sites.
Researchers will collect environmental samples from the air and water where children spend more than 30 hours a week to learn about potential exposures. They will analyze blood, urine, hair and fingernail samples from children. In addition, children will be screened for asthma, birth defects, diabetes, injury susceptibility, obesity and physical and mental development disorders. The outcomes of pregnancies, such as preterm delivery, also will be evaluated.
From that repository of information, scientists can look at how certain factors alone or in combination with others affect pregnancy outcomes, child development and health and an adult's likelihood of developing certain diseases.
"The National Children's Study is an important step in setting the foundation for understanding the environmental and genetic determinants of pediatric and adult diseases," says Michael DeBaun, M.D., MPH, co-principal investigator and associate professor of pediatrics and biostatistics at Washington University.
"We now have a unique opportunity coupled with a high level of responsibility to fulfill the mission of this important award for the next generation."
The cost of the research is estimated at $3 billion over the next 25 years. Congress appropriated $69 million in fiscal year 2007 for the National Children's Study.
10/4/07
SIUE Nursing Announces Winners of National Scholarships
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Nicholas Till, of Springfield, a graduate student in the SIUE School of Nursing, is a Nurses Educational Funds Inc. (NEF) scholarship recipient.
The national organization advances the profession of nursing through the promotion of graduate education. Till will receive a $2,000 scholarship and joins an elite group of 11 master's candidates from across the United States who also received the award.
Ann Popkess, an instructor of primary care-health systems nursing in the School, is recipient of a $4,000 national scholarship recognizing her academic achievements and leadership potential. She is among 15 doctoral degree candidates across the country receiving this prestigious award. Popkess is a doctoral candidate at the Indiana University School of Nursing.
NEF has awarded more than $1.5 million to nurses who have gone on to become deans, directors, administrators and researchers in the nursing profession.
10/4/07
SIUE Nursing Assistant Professor Nationally Recognized
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Richard Yakimo, assistant professor of primary care-health systems nursing in the SIUE School of Nursing, recently was elected a Distinguished Practitioner in the National Academies of Practice in Nursing. He will receive a National Academies of Practice Medallion during a banquet in Arlington, Va., on Nov. 3.
10/4/07
SIUE Nursing Associate Professor Honored With Awards
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Cynthia Schmidt, associate professor of family health-community health nursing in the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Nursing, recently won awards for her scholarly research in pediatric nursing.
Schmidt was awarded an American Nurses Foundation Grant designating her a 2007 Midwest Nursing Research Grant Society Scholar. She also was awarded the inaugural Annette and Henry Baich Research Award through the SIUE Graduate School.
The Baich honor is bestowed on a faculty member whose research proposal submitted for internal funding is judged the best of all proposals submitted for a given year. These awards total more than $11,000.
In addition, MCN: The American Journal of Maternal Child Nursing named a collaborative work by Schmidt and Associate Professor Laura Bernaix as the MCN Paper of the Year in the research category. Bernaix also is a faculty member in family health-community health nursing.
The paper, Children's Perceptions of Nurses and Nurse Behaviors, is based on Bernaix and Schmidt's research at Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago. The journal chooses articles for two national awards annually-one for research and the other for practice.
10/3/07
SIUE Renews Its Love Affair With The Cougar Mascot
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Ever since a construction worker claimed he saw a cougar on the new campus of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville during the early-1960s, the big cat was destined to become the University mascot.
Just in time for its 50th Anniversary, SIUE today unveiled a new University Cougar logo during a special ceremony led by SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift in the University's Goshen Lounge. A banner was unfurled to reveal a new sleek look for the Cougar.
University officials were quick to point out the new Cougar logo will not take the place of the SIUE word mark or the marketing logo-SIUe-but will be used primarily to support the athletics teams.
The new logo represents a sharper, edgier cougar image reflective of highly competitive sports teams, says Barbara O'Malley, executive director of Marketing and Communications for the University. "SIUE is at a point in its history when we are excelling at all levels," O'Malley said. "We're moving up in U.S. News & World Report rankings, our Senior Assignment program is recognized nationally and we were just ranked No. 1 in 9 out of 10 categories when compared with our competition.
"Now, with the transition to NCAA Division I Athletics, it seemed like a fitting time to update the Cougar."
However, there was a time when the mascot could have become a Titan, a piece of Greek mythology. The SIUE Titans-doesn't seem right, does it. During fall registration 1967, students were asked to vote; the cougar won by nearly 4-to-1, according to The Alestle, and the SIU Board of Trustees approved the mascot in late September.
Fast forward 40 years and the new cougar is quite fashionable. "There are close to 30 university cougar mascots in the country," said Jim Harper, a 1993 graduate of SIUE and director of Marketing at 4 Alarm Studio in St. Louis, creators of the new look. "We wanted this cougar to be distinctive and capture the competitive spirit of SIUE."
The St. Louis-based studio, made up mostly of SIUE alumni, worked with the campus community on the logo project last spring. Focus groups were conducted with faculty, staff, and students to determine the new Cougar approach.
"It was also nice that SIUE let us explore both traditional and very modern concepts," Harper said. "It was during the modern exploration that one of our designers developed the chosen concept."
The logo will be used primarily by SIUE Intercollegiate Athletics. Everyone will be able to wear SIUE Cougar apparel, which is available in the SIUE Bookstore. Student groups and academic groups may use the Cougar logo to represent their SIUE Cougar spirit and to support SIUE Athletics.
10/3/07
New Bronze Statue Commemorates SIUE Cougar Mascots
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Chimega and Kyna live!
Well, actually, the two former Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Cougar mascots have been honored with a life-size bronze statue unveiled today at the entrance to SIUE's Morris University Center.
The School Spirit and Pride Committee of SIUE's Student Government began a fund-raising campaign in 2005 to erect a bronze sculpture of a cougar, the University's mascot, on campus. The committee said the sculpture would be "a monument" to the live cougars that lived on campus between 1968 and 1987.
Chimega, whose name is the Apache word for "cougar," was the University's first live cougar mascot who came to campus in early 1968 and who "retired" in 1982. Chimega, who for many years was featured at Intercollegiate Athletics events and in Homecoming parades, continued to live in a designated area next to the student center until her death in March 1985. She is buried next to the pond behind Founders Hall.
In 1982, the campus acquired a second cougar, Kyna, who reigned as mascot until the program was discontinued in 1987 because of safety concerns. She was given to a wildlife preserve near Cairo in Southern Illinois.
The committee raised some $39,000 for the statue that was created by artist Dawn Weimer, of Loveland, Colo. The entire piece is nine feet tall while the cougar itself measures 11-feet from its paw to the tip of its tail, all resting on a four-foot base. Titled "Taking Stalk," the sculpture depicts a stalking cougar on a rock.
Revenue for the statue came from several student fundraisers, including the sale of $2 commemorative rubber bracelets and commemorative bricks at $50 each that are intended for a patio surrounding the proposed statue. The committee also raised money from two trivia nights, various food booth concessions, the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and other sources.
Several University officials and SIUE alumni were scheduled to help unveil the piece including SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift, Vice Chancellor Narbeth Emmanuel, SIUE Student Body President Laurie Estilette; former Student Body presidents; and members of the Cougar Guard, students who cared for Chimega and Kyna.
10/3/07
SIUE Alcohol Awareness Week Set For Oct. 8-12 On Campus
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Southern Illinois University Edwardsville students will be able to learn more about the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption during Alcohol Awareness Week from Oct. 8-12 when several activities will be available, courtesy of SIUE Counseling Services, University Housing and the University's Alcohol and Drug Task Force.
Activities range from a game using "Fatal Vision" goggles to a multi-media drunk driving simulator.
"National studies have shown that a student's GPA is affected by excessive alcohol consumption," said Andy King, director of SIUE Counseling Services. "As alcohol consumption goes up, a student's GPA goes down. That correlation has been proven," he said. "We're trying to help students become more aware of the impact alcohol can have on their lives and the damage excessive alcohol consumption can do." King said SIUE doesn't have "a big problem" but that the danger exists.
Jennifer Ladd, a graduate student and one of the coordinators of events during the week, said Alcohol Awareness Week is "a functional outreach" to the University community. "This is about people learning the effects of alcohol on themselves, their loved ones and their community," she said. "We don't see a huge problem here at SIUE, but national statistics show us that there's potential for alcohol abuse among college students."
Alcohol Awareness Week activities include:
Monday, Oct. 8:
- 10 a.m.-3 p.m.-Stratton Quadrangle-DUI Simulator-Sponsored by PEERS, a national organization dedicated to educating the public about the dangers of drunk driving, the multimedia simulator takes participants through what can happen if an inebriated person drives.
- 8:08 p.m.-"Alpha Dog" film-Bluff Hall Multifunction Room; refreshments provided.
Tuesday, Oct. 9:
- 8 p.m.-"Wheel of Misfortune": golf cart obstacle course-Bluff Hall lobby and service parking lot.
- 8:08 p.m.-"Alpha Dog" film-Woodland Hall Multifunction Room; refreshments provided
Wednesday, Oct. 10:
- 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.-Goshen Lounge-"A Fatal Spin on the Classic Obstacle Course" using the "Fatal Vision" goggles.
- 8:08 p.m.-"Alpha Dog" film-Evergreen Hall Multifunction Room; refreshments provided
Thursday, Oct. 11:
- 7:30 p.m-Open Mic Night-10 a.m.-2 p.m., Multipurpose Room of Evergreen Hall -benefitting Mothers Against Drunk Driving
All events are free. For information about Alcohol Awareness Week, call Ladd, (618) 650-2197.
10/3/07
SIUE Mechanical Engineering Professor Named ASME Fellow
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Albert C.J. Luo, an associate professor of mechanical engineering at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, has been named a fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). He will be honored in November at ASME's annual banquet in Seattle.
Founded in 1880, ASME currently is a 120,000-member professional organization focused on technical, educational, and research issues of the engineering and technology community. The ASME Foundation, through its initiatives in education, advocacy and public policy, has an impact on all aspects of the mechanical engineering community.
Luo is one of two researchers elected as Fellow for 2007 by the Technical Committee of Vibration and Sound. The Fellow Grade recognizes significant engineering achievement and contributions to the engineering profession.
According to Professor Keqin Gu, Luo is the first faculty member in the SIUE School of Engineering to achieve an ASME fellowship. "Professor Luo's outstanding research and his broad contribution to the field is well recognized in this cutting edge research community," said Gu, a professor of mechanical and industrial engineering and chair of that department.
"He also has served on an unusual number of editorial boards of technical journals and book series, and has organized conference symposiums. There is no doubt that Professor Luo is among the most prominent scholars currently active in the field of nonlinear dynamics and vibration in the world," Gu said.
"His recent election to the ASME Fellowship is a well deserved but not surprising recognition to this status." Luo has been doing research and study of the theory and application of nonlinear dynamics and mechanics for more than 20 years. Luo's research in vibration could help manufacturers discover ways to make production more efficient and thus more profitable.
10/1/07
SIUE Celebrates Homecoming Weekend; Club Sports Logo Launch
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The excitement of homecoming activities is the perfect backdrop for a big unveiling for the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Club Sports program Saturday, Oct. 6.
"This year's homecoming events have an extra sense of excitement surrounding them with the 50th Anniversary tie-in," said Keith Becherer, assistant director of Campus Recreation. "The design and unveiling of a new SIUE Club Sports logo mark an exciting time for the Club Sports program.
"This new logo will allow for consistent recognition of the whole range of active and diverse clubs within the program."
Club Sports has between 20 and 30 organizations under its umbrella at any given time, with nearly 460 student participants this academic year. For more than 30 years, Club Sports participants have engaged in activities as diverse as skydiving, rock climbing, football, soccer, basketball, fencing, ice hockey, underwater hockey, cricket and rugby, to name a few.
Saturday's activities will begin with a Campus Recreation 5K Poker Run at 8:30 a.m. starting at the SIUE Student Fitness Center. Big Red Read with Clifford the Big Red Dog will follow at 10 a.m. in the Goshen Lounge, on the first floor of SIUE's Morris Center, and Family Weekend at the Rock Climbing Wall, on the first floor of the Student Fitness Center, will take place from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
The Third Annual Homecoming Classic and Custom Car Show is scheduled from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. in Parking Lot B, with an SIUE Alumni Picnic, Sh-Boom concert and Kids Corner Inflatables throughout the afternoon in the field west of the Morris Center.
Festivities will continue Saturday with A Family, Friends and Fun Bowling Tournament from noon-5 p.m. at Cougar Lanes, on the lower level of the center. Nursing Simulated Lab Tours are scheduled from 1-3 p.m. on the second floor of Alumni Hall.
A Student Affairs Alumni and Friends Homecoming Hospitality Tent will be open from 1:30-3 p.m. at the Recreational Sports Complex (Rec-Plex), with pom-poms and popcorn offered from 2-3 p.m., sponsored by the Cougar Parent and Family Association. SIUE Club Football will tackle Marquette University during a 3 p.m. game at the complex.
Inter Varsity Christian Fellowship Alumni, Friends & Family Ice Cream Social will take place from 2-4 p.m. at the Religious Center, while a University Housing Trivia Contest will kick off in Conference Center, on the second floor of the Morris Center, from 3-6 p.m.
Festivities will come to a close Saturday with the Athletics Hall of Fame Banquet at 6:30 p.m. in the Vadalabene Center as well as a Club Showcase featuring hypnotist Frederick Winters and INPULSE, an a capella group, at 8 p.m. in Meridian Ballroom, on the first floor of the Morris Center.
The Chancellor's Literary Society Closing Ceremony will take place at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 7, in the Mississippi-Illinois Room, on the second floor of the Morris Center, followed by a Sunday brunch from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in the University Restaurant, on the second floor of the center.
SIUE Women's and Men's Soccer teams will take on University Missouri-Rolla at noon and 2:30 p.m., respectively, at Korte Stadium.
For more information, contact the Kimmel Leadership Center, (618) 650-2686.
10/1/07
SIUE To Host Two Previews For College-Bound Students And Parents
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill) Each year more and more students have been considering Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, and that means a growing number of them have been attending PREVIEW SIUE each fall. Last year, the University added an additional day because the number of PREVIEW participants has nearly doubled in the past six years. The additional day was very successful.
PREVIEW SIUE is an opportunity for prospective students and their families to see the beauty of the campus, visit with faculty and staff and obtain answers to their questions in one visit to campus. This year, SIUE will conduct its annual open house events on Columbus Day, Monday, Oct. 8, and Veterans Day, Friday, Nov. 12.
"Last year, we added the second day and made the event much more manageable than trying to accommodate everyone on one day," said Karen Bollinger, assistant director of SIUE Admissions and Academic Marketing. "We believe we can do a much better job in personalizing PREVIEW by offering the event on two separate days," she said.
"We like to get to know the students and their parents, while at the same time offering them the information they'll need to make sound decisions about a college choice. Our program is one of the few campus-visit programs that include participation from virtually all academic and student services units in one setting," Bollinger said.
"At PREVIEW SIUE, our faculty and staff take an active role in talking with prospective students and introducing them to the academic opportunities available at SIUE."
At both events, Scott Belobrajdic, assistant vice chancellor for Enrollment Management, will present opening remarks at 8:30 a.m. in Meridian Ballroom, on the first floor of SIUE's Delyte W. Morris University Center. Students may speak one-on-one to department representatives at each event during the information fairs in the Goshen Lounge, also on the first floor of the Center from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
At both PREVIEW opportunities, the opening session, SIUEssentials, will cover information on admission requirements, financing an education, and University Housing options. Students then will have opportunities to tour the central campus, meet with faculty and staff at the information fair, or attend an informational session of their choice. All academic units will play host to the informational sessions for students interested in their respective program.
Also, prospective students may attend a panel session made up of current SIUE students. Similarly, prospective parents also may attend a panel of parents of current SIUE students.
Informational session topics include Tailor-Made Careers, A 'Major' Decision, Transferring to SIUE and Extreme Financial Aid as well as academic sessions presented by the SIUE College of Arts and Sciences and the schools of Business, Education, Engineering, Nursing, Pharmacy and Dental Medicine.
Check-in and on-site registration begins at 8 a.m. in the Morris University Center. It is recommended that interested students pre-register online at the Web site: www.siue.edu/prospectivestudents/visit, or by telephone: (800) 447-SIUE.
Tours of the campus and residence halls will be offered until 2 p.m., while campus offices will remain open until 4:30 p.m. PREVIEW parking will be available at Korte Stadium, on Stadium Road, just west of the main campus at the bottom of the bluff. Shuttles will bring guests to SIUE's Morris Center. There is no charge for either event.
September 2007
·50th Anniversary Alumni Art Exhibit Runs Oct. 5-Nov. 2 In U. Gallery·SIUE Celebrates Homecoming Weekend; Club Sports Logo Launch
· SIUE Set To Celebrate Homecoming Week 2007
·SIUE Music Department Presents The 30th Coffee Concerts Season
·SIUE To Host Two Previews For College-Bound Students And Parents
·New Bronze Sculpture Commemorates SIUE Cougar Mascots
·Unveiling Of The New Cougar Logo For SIUE
·SIUE's A Lesson Before Dying Promises To Be Thought-Provoking Play
·SIUE's Lovejoy Library To Host "Forever Free" Exhibition
·Annual SIUE Jazz Dinner To Feature Singer Ann Hampton Callaway
·Scientific Study Of Prayer Is Topic Of Oct. 3 WoRKS Series
·Kwame Contracts With SIUE For Management Of Upcoming Construction Projects
·SIU Board Gives Project, Budget Approval To Success Center
·BOT Gives Approvals For SIUE Renovations, Expansions
·AIA Touts SIUE Campus Among Great Places In Illinois
·Speaker, Film Series Begins With Peace Studies Scholar
SIUE To Celebrate 50 Years in Edwardsville, Alton and East St. Louis
SIUE Hosts Idea Bounce Featuring Business Ideas, Innovation
·SIUE's Drum voices Revue Issues Call For Poetry For Spring Issue
· SIUE Faculty/Students Go To China
·Singer, Composer, Author Judy Collins Returns To SIUE Sept. 29
·Engineering Students Form Cougar Baja To Race And Educate
·SIUE Civil Service Banquet Set For Oct. 18 At Moose
·Important Presentations Set For BOT Meeting In Evergreen
·SIUE's Arts & Issues Brochure Hits The Streets
·Decision To Move Testing Lab To SIUE A Boost To The Region
· Overwhelming Ticket Sales Lead To Flashback Encore Event
·ARC Selects University Park To Locate Blood Manufacturing And Testing Facility
· Additional Rec Plex Lighting Affords Night Time Fun
·Fall Enrollment Includes Largest New Freshman Class Ever At SIUE
·SIUE Founders Day Parade Set For Sept. 26 In East St. Louis
·September Employee Of The Month
· SIUe Day-Employee, Community Fundraising Initiative To Kick Off
·SIUE School Of Business Students Visit Shanghai, Suzhou, Xiamen
·Early Childhood Leader To Speak At SIUE Education Reunion
9/28/07
50th Anniversary Alumni Art Exhibit Runs Oct. 5-Nov. 2 In U. Gallery
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The 50th Anniversary Art Alumni Exhibition, displaying 50 pieces of artwork from graduates of the Art and Design program at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, opens Friday, Oct. 5, and continues through Friday, Nov. 2, in the University Gallery on the second floor of SIUE's Morris University Center.
More than 1,300 alumni residing within a 150-mile radius of the University were invited to submit up to two pieces each. Jurors Dennis Ringering, Phillip Hampton and Dan Anderson-all emeritus faculty of the Department of Art and Design-chose the final 50 pieces of artwork from more than 300 pieces that were submitted.
An artists' reception is scheduled from 5-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 5, at the gallery. A color catalogue of the pieces in the exhibit will be available for purchase for $17.
9/28/07
SIUE Celebrates Homecoming Weekend; Club Sports Logo Launch
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The excitement of homecoming activities is the perfect backdrop for a big unveiling for the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Club Sports program Saturday, Oct. 6.
"This year's homecoming events have an extra sense of excitement surrounding them with the 50th Anniversary tie-in," said Keith Becherer, assistant director of Campus Recreation. "The design and unveiling of a new SIUE Club Sports logo mark an exciting time for the Club Sports program.
"This new logo will allow for consistent recognition of the whole range of active and diverse clubs within the program."
Club Sports has between 20 and 30 organizations under its umbrella at any given time, with nearly 460 student participants this academic year. For more than 30 years, Club Sports participants have engaged in activities as diverse as skydiving, rock climbing, football, soccer, basketball, fencing, ice hockey, underwater hockey, cricket and rugby, to name a few.
Saturday's activities will begin with a Campus Recreation 5K Poker Run at 8:30 a.m. starting at the SIUE Student Fitness Center. Big Red Read with Clifford the Big Red Dog will follow at 10 a.m. in the Goshen Lounge, on the first floor of SIUE's Morris Center, and Family Weekend at the Rock Climbing Wall, on the first floor of the Student Fitness Center, will take place from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
The Third Annual Homecoming Classic and Custom Car Show is scheduled from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. in Parking Lot B, with an SIUE Alumni Picnic, Sh-Boom concert and Kids Corner Inflatables throughout the afternoon in the field west of the Morris Center.
Festivities will continue Saturday with A Family, Friends and Fun Bowling Tournament from noon-5 p.m. at Cougar Lanes, on the lower level of the center. Nursing Simulated Lab Tours are scheduled from 1-3 p.m. on the second floor of Alumni Hall.
A Student Affairs Alumni and Friends Homecoming Hospitality Tent will be open from 1:30-3 p.m. at the Recreational Sports Complex (Rec-Plex), with pom-poms and popcorn offered from 2-3 p.m., sponsored by the Cougar Parent and Family Association. SIUE Club Football will tackle Marquette University during a 3 p.m. game at the complex.
Inter Varsity Christian Fellowship Alumni, Friends & Family Ice Cream Social will take place from 2-4 p.m. at the Religious Center, while a University Housing Trivia Contest will kick off in Conference Center, on the second floor of the Morris Center, from 3-6 p.m.
Festivities will come to a close Saturday with the Athletics Hall of Fame Banquet at 6:30 p.m. in the Vadalabene Center as well as a Club Showcase featuring hypnotist Frederick Winters and INPULSE, an a capella group, at 8 p.m. in Meridian Ballroom, on the first floor of the Morris Center.
The Chancellor's Literary Society Closing Ceremony will take place at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 7, in the Mississippi-Illinois Room, on the second floor of the Morris Center, followed by a Sunday brunch from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in the University Restaurant, on the second floor of the center.
SIUE Women's and Men's Soccer teams will take on University Missouri-Rolla at noon and 2:30 p.m., respectively, at Korte Stadium.
For more information, contact the Kimmel Leadership Center, (618) 650-2686.
9/28/07
SIUE Set To Celebrate Homecoming Week 2007
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is set to celebrate Homecoming 2007, with a week of events scheduled Monday-Friday, Oct. 1-5.
Activities will begin with Homecoming King and Queen voting from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Tuesday, Oct. 1-2, in the Goshen Lounge, on the first floor of SIUE's Morris Center. An old-fashioned soda shop will be set up in the lobbies of the Engineering Building on Monday and in Peck Hall on Tuesday, both from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
A Golf Cart Parade will kick off in the Stratton Quadrangle at 11:30 a.m. Monday.
On Tuesday, Oct. 2, Recliner Races will take place at noon in the Quad, followed by a concert at noon, featuring Meg Allison from USA Network's Nashville Star as part of the Livewire Concert Series in the Goshen Lounge. Cosmic Bowling will complete the day's festivities from 7-9 p.m. at Cougar Lanes in the lower leve of the Morris Center.
A new SIUE Cougar logo launch promises to captivate audiences in Goshen Lounge at 11:15 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 3, followed by a Cougar statue dedication at noon at the north entrance to the center. The day will be completed with a showing of the movie, Hairspray, at 7 p.m. in Meridian Ballroom. On the first floor of the center.
Cougar Karaoke '80s Style will take the campus by storm at noon Thursday,
Oct. 4, in Goshen Lounge. Also Thursday an early childhood reunion reception will be held from 4-8:30 p.m. in the University Club Restaurant, on the second floor of the center.
A pep rally and bonfire will kick off at 6:30 p.m. in front of Woodland Hall, or in Goshen Lounge in case of inclement weather, followed by a homecoming dance, Dancin' Through the Decades, sponsored by the Residence Housing Association from 9-11:30 p.m. in Meridian Ballroom. The Homecoming Prince and Princess Coronation will begin at 11 p.m.
The Sixth Annual SIUE Chili Cook-off, presented by the SIUE Club Sports program, is set for 5:30 p.m. Friday, Oct.5, at Korte Stadium as part of Homecoming Week.
Homecoming soccer games, with Cougar women and men playing the University of Missouri-St. Louis at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., respectively, will take place the same day at Korte Stadium. Tricycle races will take place between the games, sponsored by the Residence Housing Association.
The Homecoming Royalty Coronation will happen during halftime of the men's game. A casino night will follow the festivities starting at 9 p.m. in Goshen Lounge and Meridian Ballroom.
9/27/07
SIUE Music Department Presents The 30th Coffee Concerts Season
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Department of Music will launch its 30th season of the Coffee Concerts Chamber Music Series with a 50th Anniversary Coffee Concert at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 1, in Meridian Ballroom, on the first floor of SIUE's Morris Center.
Guests will enjoy the sweet sounds of music, with performances by music alumni, faculty and retirees, as well as some coffee and conversation.
Featured alumni will include Diane Dietz, Sarah Engelke, Eddie Hitchcock, Shawn Neace, Angela Powers and Doug Meyer. Performances by professors Rick Haydon, James "Mac" Hinson and Linda Perry; and emeritus professors Marion Lampe, George Mellott and Bob Schieber also will be featured. Emeritus Professor Stephen Brown, at the piano, will close the reception with Seven Songs of Delyte, in honor of Delyte W. Morris, considered the founder of SIUE.
The series will include additional performances Jan. 28-featuring Irish Folk Songs for Trumpet and Cello and new faculty tenor Assistant Professor Marc Schapman singing Benjamin Britten's On This Island, and March 31-offering an all-instrumental concert of Dvorak's Dumky Trio in E Minor for Violin, Cello and Piano, Jazzberries for Trumpet, Cello and Piano by William Schmidt, Miniatures for Clarinet, Cello and Piano by Paul Juan and Three Pieces for Piano Trio by Lubomir Pipkov.
Tickets per concert are $10; senior citizens, $9; and students, $5. Subscription series tickets are $27; senior citizens, $24: and students, $15. Reservations are required for the first concert. For more information, call the SIUE Department of Music, (618) 650-3900. For tickets, contact the Fine Arts box office, (618) 650-2774.
9/27/07
SIUE To Host Two Previews For College-Bound Students And Parents
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill) Each year more and more students have been considering Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, and that means a growing number of them have been attending PREVIEW SIUE each fall. Last year, the University added an additional day because the number of PREVIEW participants has nearly doubled in the past six years. The additional day was very successful.
PREVIEW SIUE is an opportunity for prospective students and their families to see the beauty of the campus, visit with faculty and staff and obtain answers to their questions in one visit to campus. This year, SIUE will conduct its annual open house events on Columbus Day, Monday, Oct. 8, and Veterans Day, Friday, Nov. 12.
"Last year, we added the second day and made the event much more manageable than trying to accommodate everyone on one day," said Karen Bollinger, assistant director of SIUE Admissions and Academic Marketing. "We believe we can do a much better job in personalizing PREVIEW by offering the event on two separate days," she said.
"We like to get to know the students and their parents, while at the same time offering them the information they'll need to make sound decisions about a college choice. Our program is one of the few campus-visit programs that include participation from virtually all academic and student services units in one setting," Bollinger said.
"At PREVIEW SIUE, our faculty and staff take an active role in talking with prospective students and introducing them to the academic opportunities available at SIUE."
At both events, Scott Belobrajdic, assistant vice chancellor for Enrollment Management, will present opening remarks at 8:30 a.m. in Meridian Ballroom, on the first floor of SIUE's Delyte W. Morris University Center. Students may speak one-on-one to department representatives at each event during the information fairs in the Goshen Lounge, also on the first floor of the Center from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
At both PREVIEW opportunities, the opening session, SIUEssentials, will cover information on admission requirements, financing an education, and University Housing options. Students then
will have opportunities to tour the central campus, meet with faculty and staff at the information fair, or attend an informational session of their choice. All academic units will play host to the informational sessions for students interested in their respective program.
Also, prospective students may attend a panel session made up of current SIUE students. Similarly, prospective parents also may attend a panel of parents of current SIUE students.
Informational session topics include Tailor-Made Careers, A 'Major' Decision, Transferring to SIUE and Extreme Financial Aid as well as academic sessions presented by the SIUE College of Arts and Sciences and the schools of Business, Education, Engineering, Nursing, Pharmacy and Dental Medicine.
Check-in and on-site registration begins at 8 a.m. in the Morris University Center. It is recommended that interested students pre-register online at the Web site: www.siue.edu/prospectivestudents/visit, or by telephone: (800) 447-SIUE.
Tours of the campus and residence halls will be offered until 2 p.m., while campus offices will remain open until 4:30 p.m. PREVIEW parking will be available at Korte Stadium, on Stadium Road, just west of the main campus at the bottom of the bluff. Shuttles will bring guests to SIUE's Morris Center. There is no charge for either event.
9/27/07
MEDIA ADVISORY/PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
New Bronze Sculpture Commemorates SIUE Cougar Mascots
SIUE Renews Its Love Affair With The Cougar Mascot
- Who: SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift, Narbeth Emmanuel, vice chancellor for Student Affairs; SIUE Student Body President Laurie Estilette; former Student Body presidents; and members of the Cougar Guard who were students who cared for the cougars.
- What: Unveiling of new Cougar sculpture
- When: Noon Wednesday, Oct. 3
- Where: In front of the main entrance to SIUE's Morris Center
The former Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Cougar mascots are honored with a life-size bronze statue unveiled today at the entrance to SIUE's Morris University Center.
The School Spirit and Pride Committee of SIUE's Student Government began a fund-raising campaign in 2005 to erect a bronze sculpture of a cougar, the University's mascot, on campus. The committee said the sculpture would be "a monument" to the live cougars that lived on campus between 1968 and 1987.
9/27/07
MEDIA ADVISORY/PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
Unveiling Of The New Cougar Logo For SIUE
SIUE Renews Its Love Affair With The Cougar Mascot
- Who: SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift and Intercollegiate Athletics Director Brad Hewitt
- What: Unveiling of new Cougar logo and congratulations to the SIUE Softball Cougars
- When: 11:15 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 3
- Where: Goshen Lounge, on the first floor of SIUE's Morris Center
Just in time for its 50th Anniversary, SIUE has created a new University Cougar logo that will be revealed to the public in a special ceremony led by SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift. A banner will be unfurled to reveal a new sleek look for the Cougar.
University officials were quick to point out the new Cougar logo will not take the place of the SIUE wordmark or the marketing logo-SIUe-but will be used primarily to support the Athletics teams. The new logo represents a sharper, edgier cougar image reflective of highly competitive sports teams.
After the new Cougar logo is revealed, the Chancellor also will congratulate the SIUE Softball team for winning this year's NCAA Division II National Softball Championship. In addition, members of the 4 Alarm design team will be on hand for any questions about the new logo.
9/27/07
SIUE's A Lesson Before Dying Promises To Be Thought-Provoking Play
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) A talented black schoolmaster longs for a better life, away from rural Louisiana of 1948 where Jim Crow reigns and opportunity is nonexistent. But before Grant Wiggins can move on, he agrees to help a wrongly accused, illiterate black man to "die like a man," and along the way learn his own life lessons.
Based on the Earnest Gaines novel, playwright Romulus Linney explores the relationship between Jefferson, the condemned man, and Wiggins. A Lesson Before Dying runs at SIUE's Dunham Hall theater at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, Oct. 10-13, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 14.
Director Kathryn Bentley found the themes in the play to be very intriguing. "Linney is asking us to ask ourselves 'What is justice? What is the lesson to be learned before we die?' and each individual has to decide these for themselves."
Bentley, an instructor in the SIUE Department of Theater and Dance, explained that during the trial Jefferson's own attorney says he's no better than a hog, a subhuman. While in jail, Jefferson begins to act like one. But the schoolmaster's aunt, Miss Emma, prevails on Wiggins to visit Jefferson, her godson, in jail to help him die with dignity. The schoolmaster agrees and begins a relationship with the jailed man.
Bentley, an instructor of multicultural theater, said "this is the kind of play that will promote discussion. It's a thought-provoking piece."
With an energetic cast, the play promises to be an exciting drama but there have been one or two interesting hurdles Bentley is facing. "One of the biggest hurdles is that no one in this cast has ever done a drama before," she explained. "They've only done comedies or musical theater. "But, during the first read-through I could tell they were moved by Linney's text," Bentley said. "I knew then they would be up to the challenge and they would do well."
With the recent disturbing news out of Jena, La., the play, written during the 1990s, resonates now as much as it did a dozen years ago. "All of us need to look at the idea of justice in this country," Bentley said, "and consider the issues of equality."
For tickets or for more information, call the SIUE Fine Arts box office, (618) 650-2774.
Click on the numbers for two photos suitable for print: 1 | 2.
In Photo 1, the Incarcerated Jefferson, played by Curtis B. Lewis Jr. of Rock Island, is refusing help to "die like a man." In the background are Greg Fenner of Florissant, Mo., as Grant Wiggins; Rudy Wilson of Edwardsville in the role of Rev. Moses Ambrose; and A.J. Hemphill, also of Florissant, as Miss Emma. (SIUE Photo by Bill Brinson)
In Photo 2, Jefferson, the man wrongly accused of murder, played by Curtis B. Lewis Jr. of Rock Island, is being consoled by the Rev. Moses Ambrose, portrayed by Rudy Wilson of Edwardsville, and Miss Emma, played by A.J. Hemphill of Florissant, Mo. In the background is Greg Fenner as Grant Wiggins, the schoolmaster who will try help Jefferson face his execution. (SIUE Photo by Bill Brinson)
9/26/07
SIUE's Lovejoy Library To Host "Forever Free" Exhibition
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) "Forever Free: Abraham Lincoln's Journey to Emancipation," a traveling exhibition that explores why the United States tolerated for so long a harsh labor system, will be on display Oct. 31-Nov. 30 at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's Lovejoy Library.
Charlotte Johnson, director of User Services at Lovejoy Library, said the exhibition "looks for answers about why a nation founded on ideals of freedom and equality had one of the harshest labor systems the world has known?" Johnson pointed out the exhibit traces Abraham Lincoln's gradual transformation from an antislavery moderate into "The Great Emancipator," who freed all slaves with a revolutionary wartime proclamation in 1863.
Organized by the Huntington Library, San Marino, Calif., and the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History of New York City, in cooperation with the American Library Association, the traveling exhibition is made possible through major grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission, created by Congress and charged with planning the national celebration of Lincoln's 200th birthday.
"We are pleased to have been selected as one of the 63 sites for this exhibition," Johnson said. "The Civil War and slavery are topics which must constantly be revisited in order to help 21st century Americans better understand their causes and more clearly see how their effects are still with us today.
"Forever Free" draws upon original documents in the collections of the Huntington Library and the Lehrman Institute, curated by John Rhodehamel, the Norris Foundation Curator of American historical manuscripts at the Huntington. Lovejoy Library also is sponsoring the following free programs for the public in connection with the exhibit:
- Sunday, Oct. 21, 3-4 p.m., the John C. Abbott Auditorium, lower level of Lovejoy, "Forever Free," opening keynote presentation by SIUC Prof. John Simon
- Sunday, Oct. 28, 3-4 p.m., Abbott Auditorium, "Lincoln's Pragmatic Proclamation: Abraham Lincoln and the Black Freedom Struggle," lecture by SIUE Professor Stefan Bradley
- Sunday, Nov. 4, 3-4 p.m., Abbott Auditorium, "Whitman on Lincoln and Emancipation," lecture by SIUE Professor Jason Stacy
- Friday, Nov. 9, 7:30-10 p.m., Abbott Auditorium, "The Massachusetts 54th" lecture by SIUE Professor Stefan Bradley, followed by the movie, Glory
- Sunday, Nov. 11, 3-4 p.m., Abbott Auditorium, "Music in the Time of the Civil War" by SIUE Professor Joel Knapp & 4 Choral Singers
- Sunday, Nov. 18, 3-4 p.m., Lovejoy Library Lightwell, "Dance in the Time of the Civil War," by Dance Discovery
For more information or if attendees need special assistance, call Johnson, (618) 650-3830 or e-mail: cjohnso@siue.edu.
9/26/07
Annual SIUE Jazz Dinner To Feature Singer Ann Hampton Callaway On Oct. 21
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Singer-songwriter Ann Hampton Callaway, known as "keeper of the flame of the Great American songbook" and known for starring in the hit Broadway musical, Swing, will be the special guest performer at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's 19th Annual Jazz Dinner from 6-10 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 21.
The annual event is a fundraiser for the SIUE Friends of Music; proceeds benefit the University's Music Scholarship Fund. Reservations for the event must be made by Oct. 15. The evening also includes appearances by SIUE Jazz Studies faculty members, Zeb Briskovich, Rick Haydon, Brett Stamps, Reggie Thomas, Miles Vandiver and the SIUE Concert Jazz Band.
Callaway, a national and international recording artist, also is known by many as the singer (and composer) of the theme to the long-running network television sitcom, The Nanny, with Fran Drescher.
This exclusive one-night engagement Oct 21 will take place in Meridian Ballroom, on the first floor of SIUE's Morris Center. The $60 admission price includes dinner, the concert and music for dancing. A cash bar also will be available. The evening's co-sponsors are TheBANK of Edwardsville, the Belleville News-Democrat and WSIE-FM (88.7), the University's NPR affiliate.
Whether she's captivating an audience with her piano accompaniment to her own pop and jazz vocal interpretations or dazzling them with her lyric arrangements while fronting a jazz orchestra, Callaway also can impress us with her spontaneity, intelligence and "soulful charisma." Critics say all these traits have won Callaway a diverse fan base including notables Barbra Streisand, Clive Davis, Carly Simon and trumpeter Wynton Marsalis.
Callaway's repertoire touches the blues, jazz and pop and she's been compared to several classic vocalists such as Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holliday and Ella Fitzgerald, as well as Streisand and Judy Garland. And, she's known to bring down the house with her seemingly off-the-cuff comedy routines. Critics have said Callaway's possessed of a "huge voice with a huge range" and that "she can belt, she can growl, she can croon."
For tickets, call the SIUE Department of Music, (618) 650-3900.
Click here for a photo suitable for print
9/26/07
Scientific Study Of Prayer Is Topic Of Oct. 3 WoRKS Series
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) "The Evidence of Things Not Seen: Scientific Studies of Prayer" is the topic of an Oct. 3 presentation by the World Religions, Knowledge, and Science (WoRKS) Group, Edwardsville, which offers dialogues about religion and science for the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville community and surrounding communities throughout the academic year.
J. Brian Cassel, senior analyst for the VCU Massey Cancer Center at Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, will conduct the presentation at 7:30 p.m. in the SIUE Religious Center, the geodesic dome designed by famed theorist R. Buckminster Fuller at SIUE.
This is the second of three years that WoRKS is sponsoring a Distinguished Speaker Series and a Study Group Series. This year's Study Group will be discussing Belief in God in an Age of Science (Yale University Press, 1998) by John Polkinghorne. The first Study Group session to study chapter one of Polkinghorne's book will be hosted by SIUE Philosophy Professor Greg Fields at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 7, at the Religious Center. Readings are optional, and participants may attend any or all of the monthly dialogues.
WoRKS Group events are free and open to the public. Parking is available for $1 per hour in Visitor's Lot B, between the Religious Center and the Morris University Center. The WoRKS Group-Edwardsville is one of approximately 240 science and religion dialogue groups worldwide supported by Metanexus Institute of Philadelphia, which seeks to encourage thoughtful and dynamic exploration of the interrelationship of science and religion.
The group's initial three-year series of events is funded by a grant from the Metanexus Institute, with matching funds provided by the SIUE Graduate School, the Office of the Provost, the College of Arts and Sciences, the Department of Philosophy, the University Religious Council and the Friends of the Religious Center. For more information, contact Greg Fields by telephone, (618) 650-2461, or by e-mail: gfields@siue.edu, or visit www.metanexus.org.
9/21/07
Kwame Contracts With SIUE For Management Of Upcoming Construction Projects
SIUE has retained Kwame Building Group of St. Louis as its construction manager for various upcoming capital projects. Under the contract, Kwame will act as an advisor to the University by reviewing various project's program, design and construction phases for issues such as cost, schedule, constructability and quality control. Part of Kwame's challenge is to track multiple projects scheduled at the same time to mitigate any adverse impact on the University. Projects will include both renovation and new construction. Currently, Kwame is studying the Vadalabene Center bleacher replacement project approved recently by the SIU Board of Trustees. The contract with Kwame will help assure quality and timely projects as efficiently as possible.
Click here for a photo showing company officers as well as SIUE officials: (from left) Craig Lucas, vice president of Kwame; Richard Walker, vice chancellor for Administration; Gloria Atkins, vice chancellor for Administration; Scott Kolath, project manager for Kwame; and SIUE Campus Architect Rick Klein. (SIUE Photo by Denise Macdonald)
9/20/07
SIU Board Gives Project, Budget Approval To Success Center
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees today gave final project and budget approval for construction of the Student Academic Success Center (SASC) addition to the Morris University Center, estimated to cost $16.6 million and to be funded through student fees.
Last year, the board approved adding an Academic Success Center Fee to the University's fee structure to fund the center. Construction of the 66,000-square-foot building is expected to begin in spring 2008 with a target completion date of June 2009. The center will serve the increased number of residential students at SIUE who need more space for academic-student support services. Currently, such services are scattered throughout campus.
The SASC would concentrate all such services under one roof, including Instructional Services, Disability Support Services, Counseling Services, Health Service, Academic Counseling and Advising & SOAR (Student Opportunities for Academic Recognition), the Career Development Center, the International Student Center, the Honors Program and expanded space for the Kimmel Leadership Center.
The project also must gain approval of the Illinois Board of Higher Education as a non-instructional capital improvement.
In other business today, the Board of Trustees confirmed and awarded $293,252 in contracts for construction of sidewalks along South Circle Drive between Whiteside Road and the entrance to Prairie and Woodland halls. The project provides walkways to connect the University's four residence halls including the newest, Evergreen Hall. The project also includes a lighted asphalt walkway from the main campus to Evergreen Hall.
Keller Construction, Glen Carbon, received a $257,655 contract for asphalt and concrete, while a $35,597 contract was awarded to Lowry Electric Co. of East St. Louis for the electric portions of the project.
Beautifully situated on 2,660 acres, SIUE is a public institution offering a broad choice of degrees and programs ranging from liberal arts to professional studies. Nearly 13,500 students choose SIUE for undergraduate and graduate education just 25 minutes from St. Louis. SIUE celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2007-2008.
9/20/07
BOT Gives Approvals For SIUE Renovations, Expansions
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees today gave final project and budget approval to various renovations and expansions scheduled for the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville campus, for some $18 million.
Votes were taken by the board today at its regular meeting held in SIUE's newest residence hall, Evergreen Hall.
The board gave project and budget approval to a proposed $10.5 million expansion of the Student Fitness Center to be funded through student fees. Opened in 1993, the center was expanded in 1996 for increased student enrollment.
Since then, enrollment has increased and more expansion is necessary, including the need for two additional multi-purpose rooms for group exercise and student organization activities, and office additions and related renovations to consolidate staff currently scattered throughout the building. The project also must gain approval of the Illinois Board of Higher Education as a non-instructional capital improvement. The project is expected to be completed by May 2009.
In other business today, the board gave project and budget approval to a proposed $6 million renovation of the Vadalabene Center, including replacement of the 23-year-old bleachers, which in turn will convert 13,800 square feet into additional office space, classrooms and storage. The project, to be funded through the Facility Maintenance Fee, includes expansion of the women's public restrooms. The project is expected to be completed by December 2008.
The board also gave project and budget approval to a proposed $1.6 million renovation of the SIUE Bookstore, located in the Morris University Center and to be funded through the Center's cash reserve funds. Through remodeling, minor renovation and equipping, this project will address insufficient lighting by updating fixtures, while providing better compliance with ADA guidelines by incorporating a more open sales floor, new signs, display fixtures, new technology and a new fire suppression system. The renovation is expected to be completed by October 2008.
In another SIUE-related project, the board awarded a $106,600 contract to Plocher Construction of Highland for renovation of the School of Pharmacy Building, 200 University Park Drive, University Park, SIUE's research and technology park. The proposed project includes additional office and student lounge space to be funded through remaining proceeds and interest income from previous Pharmacy project loans.
Beautifully situated on 2,660 acres, SIUE is a public institution offering a broad choice of degrees and programs ranging from liberal arts to professional studies. Nearly 13,500 students choose SIUE for undergraduate and graduate education just 25 minutes from St. Louis. SIUE celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2007-2008.
9/20/07
AIA Touts SIUE Campus Among Great Places In Illinois
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) It's a great day to be a Cougar-and the campus at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a great place to be, according to the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Illinois Council.
SIUE's campus buildings are featured among the top 150 Illinois Great Places by the AIA Illinois Council and members of the AIA Southern Illinois Council were on hand today at the SIU Board of Trustees meeting to award a plaque to SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift. The plaque, announcing the designation, will be mounted in a prominent place on campus.
AIA officers who awarded the plaque today were: Brad Klein, president-elect; Eric Spencer; Bill Reichert, president; and Tim McMinn, treasurer. The AIA ranks the campus with such popular structures as the Illinois State Capitol, the Old State Capitol, the Sears Tower, Wrigley Field, the home of Abraham Lincoln and Cahokia Mounds.
The original campus buildings were designed by architect Gyo Obata of the firm Hellmuth, Obata and Kassabum Inc. "with a common vocabulary of strong masonry volumes connected by concrete and glass," the council said. Its Web site continued, "The original six buildings have been expanded over the years, and the landscaping has now matured to create a campus that is both suburban and urban."
The 150 places designated were chosen by a selection committee comprised of architects in honor of the organization's 150th anniversary. For more information, visit the AIA Illinois Council Web site: www.illinoisgreatplaces.com.
Click here for a photo that shows SIUE Chancellor Vandegrift receiving the AIA plaque from Brad Klein, president -elect of the AIA Southern Illinois Council.
Also, after the board meeting, state legislators, board members and Edwardsville Mayor Gary Niebur were on hand as SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift and SIU President Glenn Poshard unveiled a plaque dedicating Evergreen Hall. Evergreen, the fourth residence hall on campus and the fifth housing unit at SIUE, opened Aug. 18 to sophomores, juniors, seniors and graduate students. Illinois Sen. Bill Haine (D-Alton), Illinois Rep. Tom Holbrook (D-Belleville) and Illinois Rep. Jay Hoffman (D-Collinsville), as well as Neibur, commented on the beauty and the importance of the building.
With the addition of Evergreen Hall, there are now 3,500 students living on campus. That's nearly double the amount of students who first enrolled at the University in 1957. The Carnegie Commission on Higher Education now lists SIUE as "a primarily residential university." The newest residence hall is a state-of-the-art facility with apartments and suites that make living on campus a comfortable experience.
At today's dedication ceremony, Chancellor Vandegrift said Evergreen Hall "continues a commitment to our mission of offering a quality education, while supporting students through an environment conducive to academic success and while promoting the benefits of active involvement in campus life. Marketing research tells us that the campus visit, which includes a residence hall tour," he pointed out, "is the most important recruiting tool for potential students. Evergreen Hall is one more tool in SIUE's belt for making sure we continue to attract high-quality students who succeed and graduate."
Click here for a photo in which SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift presents the Evergreen Hall plaque to SIU President Glenn Poshard.
9/20/07
Speaker, Film Series Begins With Peace Studies Scholar
Tony Bing, renowned peace studies scholar and educator, will present "From a Hilltop in Kharbatha: Peace-Building in Israel and Palestine through Nonviolent Resistance" from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 26, in the Maple-Dogwood Room, on the second floor of the Morris University Center. Bing's appearance marks the beginning of The Peace in a Time of War speaker and film series, says Assistant Professor Steve Tamari, of the SIUE Historical Studies faculty.
"For the last two years," Tamari points out, "the Palestinian residents of the West Bank village and their Israeli supporters have waged a campaign of nonviolent resistance against Israel's 'separation barrier,' which separates the villagers from their farms. On Sept. 4, Israel's highest court ruled in favor of the villagers." Tamari explained Bing believes this is a vindication of the view that nonviolent resistance and peace-building between Israelis and Palestinians is delivering results on the ground.
"Since 1967, Dr. Bing , emeritus professor of English literature and peace studies at Earlham College in Indiana, has been promoting peace in the Middle East by taking students there to learn for themselves," Tamari said. "He served as executive director of the Peace Studies Association, which recognized him as peace educator of the year in 1992. He's also the author of a biography of Joseph Abileah, Israeli pacifist and musician."
Tamari said this year-long series, organized by the Peace and International Studies program at SIUE, is made possible by a grant from SIUE's Excellence in Undergraduate Education program and through support from the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Lovejoy Library. "The Peace in a Time of War series will include national and international figures in the peace movement, in the military, and in the field of international criminal law. A full program will be publicized shortly."
For more information about the series, please contact Steve Tamari, (618) 650-3967.
9/18/07
SIUE To Celebrate 50 Years in Edwardsville, Alton and East St. Louis
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The week of Sept. 24-29 will be filled with exciting activities, as Southern Illinois University Edwardsville celebrates turning 50 with style.
A Founders Day Convocation will take place at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 24, in the Vadalabene Center on the Edwardsville campus. Chancellor Emeritus David Werner, who spent 38 years at SIUE, will deliver the keynote address. Taste of SIUE, featuring food from area restaurants, will follow the convocation and birthday cake will be offered in the Morris University Center at 1:30 p.m.
The following day, Tuesday, Sept. 25, the SIU School of Dental Medicine will host Founders Day in Alton-A Celebration of Versatility from noon-2 p.m. in the Science Building, building 279 on the Alton campus. The Alton Museum of History, which is located on the School of Dental Medicine campus, will offer free admission to its array of exhibits during the festivities.
Founders Day in East St. Louis will take place from 1:30-5 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 26, at the East St. Louis campus. A parade will kick off the celebration, starting at the Lessie Bates parking lot (at 11th and State streets) at 1:30 p.m. and will continue to the East St. Louis Higher Education Campus in the parking lot of Building A. The day will feature other activities, including a display of historical photographs and memorabilia, and music and dance performances. A reception will follow the program.
Government proclamations designating Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Day will be read at each event.
9/18/07
SIUE Hosts Idea Bounce Featuring Business Ideas, Innovation
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Beware of bouncing business ideas flying across the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville campus from 5-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 20.
SIUE will host IdeaBounce at the Technology and Management Center, 245 S. Research Drive, in University Park.
Organized by SIUE Southwestern Illinois Entrepreneurship Center, unusual, out-of-the-ordinary, fun and perhaps somewhat zany, outrageous ideas are being sought, said Kristine Jarden, the center's director. Past ideas have included ideas for new restaurants, retail shops and cars.
"This is an opportunity to share creative, innovative and maybe just weird ideas," she said.
Out of all the ideas submitted, a number of presenters will be selected to give two-minute presentations to a panel of judges and a room full of spectators. The judges will select winners to receive $100 each. "Even if you don't have a business idea, please come and listen to the presenters," Jarden said. "Networking, hors d'oeuvres and refreshments will be available for everyone after the ideas are bounced."
Those interested in participating should register by calling Jarden at (618) 650-2166.
9/18/07
SIUE's Drum voices Revue Issues Call For Poetry For Spring Issue
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) For its Spring 2008 issue, Drum voices Revue-a journal of "Literary, Cultural & Vision Arts" co-published by the Eugene B. Redmond Writers Club and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville-is issuing a "call" for "kwansabas" for Richard Wright (1908-1960) in honor of the Wright Centennial (1908-2008).
The kwansaba, a 49-word poetic form invented during the Writers Club's 1995 workshop season (in East St. Louis), consists of seven lines of seven words each, with no word containing more than seven letters. Exceptions to the seven-letter rule are proper nouns and some foreign terms. Selected kwansabas will be published in the Spring 2008 issue of Drum voices. Final date for submission of the kwansabas is Nov. 1. Previous issues of Drum voices have featured kwansabas for Miles Davis, Katherine Dunham, Amiri Baraka, Sonia Sanchez, Jayne Cortez, Maya Angelou and Quincy Troupe.
Kwansaba submissions should be sent to Drum voices Revue, SIUE Department of English Language and Literature, SIUE, Edwardsville, IL 62026-1431. Submissions may be sent in hard copies and/or in Microsoft Word on a computer storage disk. For more information, call (618) 650-3991, send e-mail: eredmon@siue.edu, FAX (618) 650-3509, or postal mail, EBRWC, East St. Louis, IL 62202-6165.
Founded in 1986 and named after East St. Louis Poet Laureate Eugene B. Redmond, the EBR Writers Club is currently celebrating its 21st year of twice-monthly meetings (first/third Tuesday), 6-8 p.m., in the Library (Building B) of the East St. Louis Higher Education Campus, 601 J. R. Thompson Drive, from September through May. All writers-beginners to professionals-are welcome.
The Spring-Summer edition of Drum voices Revue (Vol. 15) features kwansabas for Maya Angelou and Quincy Troupe, as well as interviews with Angelou, Troupe and Michael Datcher. The edition also contains "Drumming a Continent's Dreams: A Selection of African Writings," "Art and Activism in Sacramento/Northern California" and also "Mari Evans: A Poetic Mosaic."
To purchase a copy of Vol. 15, send $10 (plus $2 for shipping and handling) in check or money order to Editor, Drum voices Revue, SIUE, Edwardsville, IL 62026-1431. In addition, a copy of Images & Homages: 'Memwars' from the Eugene B. Redmond Collection is available at the same address for $15 (plus $2 for S&H). Images & Homages contains some 80 pages of photos, visual memorabilia, poetic sketches and captions from the collection of poet-historian Redmond.
9/17/07
SIUE Faculty/Students Go To China
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) A group of students from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville recently traveled to China to learn about the country's cultures, views and language. The trip was sponsored in part by SIUE's Study Abroad Programs and the College of Arts and Sciences.
This was the third consecutive year that students took part in a study abroad program, which offered them the opportunity of a lifetime, while allowing them to earn six credit hours of college study.
"We hope these students can understand more about the Chinese culture and the language, and we want them to see how the Chinese people live their every day lives," said Bin Zhou, professor of geography at SIUE. "The students get a sense of what it's like to be a Chinese person: What is it like to live in a Communist country."
While in China from June 3-28, the group of 15 undergraduate and graduate students visited the Great Wall, toured historic sites in Beijing, listened to lectures from Chinese professors and became versed in political and social practices and traditions, and changes in the country with the formation of the People's Republic of China.
As China is the country with the largest population in the world, it faces challenges when it comes to having adequate space for housing and business needs. Zhou, who is originally from Beijing, said students learned about how the Chinese people use space, compared with how it is used in the United States.
SIUE's annual Study Abroad Fair will take place from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 18, in the Morris University Center Goshen Lounge. The fair is an opportunity for students to learn more about study abroad opportunities and other information regarding international travel.
For more information about Study Abroad programs, contact the Study Abroad Office, (618) 650-2419, or visit the Web site: www.siue.edu/studyabroad. Study Abroad programs are housed in the Center for International Programs, Morris University Center, Room 2053.
9/17/07
Singer, Composer, Author Judy Collins Returns To SIUE Sept. 29
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Legendary folk singer, composer and accomplished author Judy Collins, who graced the stage under the Mississippi River Festival (MRF) big tent five times at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, makes a triumphant return to SIUE on the Arts & Issues stage at 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29, in "An Evening with Judy Collins."
Collins will make her appearance in Meridian Ballroom just five days after the University kicks off its yearlong 50th Anniversary Celebration Sept. 24-SIUE Founders Day. Meridian Ballroom is on the first floor of the Delyte W. Morris University Center. Collins' appearance is co-sponsored by Prairie Farms Dairy Inc. and the SIUE Alumni Association.
Arts & Issues, which has a long-standing tradition of bringing world-class performers and noted speakers to Southwestern Illinois, continues that excellence in its 23rd season. "We are so excited this year to be celebrating the University's 50th anniversary," said Grant Andree, who began this year as assistant director of development for the SIUE College of Arts and Sciences and director of the Arts & Issues series. "To be a part of this tradition makes me proud."
Andree, who came to SIUE earlier this year from the Fox Associates Foundation in St. Louis, said this new season is even more distinctive because of its connection to the MRF. "Everyone I meet seems to ask about Judy's appearance and Arlo's show coming in March. (Singer-composer Arlo Guthrie comes to Arts & Issues on March 5.) Between those two performers who are linked to the University's past and the other great speakers and performers we've lined up, this is going to be one of the most memorable seasons ever."
Collins, who last appeared here in 1976, is one of the few singers who has the staying power of folk icon. For nearly 45 years, she has had numerous hit records of songs that feature her special sound. Many of her more than 40 albums have garnered several Grammys as well as other awards. In 1961, at the age of 22, Judy Collins released her first album, A Maid of Constant Sorrow, and began a 35-year association with Jac Holzman and Elektra Records. She also is noted for her rendition of Joni Mitchell's Both Sides Now on her classic 1967 album, Wildflowers. Both Sides Now has since been entered into the Grammy Awards Hall of Fame.
She won Song of The Year at the 1975 Grammys with her version of Send in the Clowns, a ballad written by Stephen Sondheim from his hit Broadway musical, A Little Night Music. This past summer Judy released Judy Collins Sings Lennon & McCartney.
In addition to her prowess with a guitar and as a singer, Collins recently published The Seven T's: Finding Hope and Healing in the Wake of Tragedy in spring 2006. This book follows her 2003 book, Sanity and Grace, A Journey of Suicide, Survival and Strength, a deeply moving memoir focusing on the death of her only son and the healing process following the tragedy. The book speaks to all who have endured the untimely loss of a loved one.
A season brochure is available to the public and may be found at Edwardsville Public Library, 112 S. Kansas St.; the office of the Ed-Glen Chamber of Commerce, 200 University Park Drive, SIUE; or by calling (618) 650-5194. The brochure contains information about the events and subscription sales for the 2007-08 season. For additional information about the series, call Grant Andree, (618) 650-2626.
More information and tickets are available through the Web site: artsandissues.com.
Click here for photos suitable for print.
9/14/07
Engineering Students Form Cougar Baja To Race And Educate
Mechanical Engineering students from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville visited Nashville Community High School recently to promote math, science and teamwork.
The SIUE students are members of Cougar Baja, a student organization of future engineers who design, plan, fund, fabricate, test and race off road vehicles. For example, the team recently traveled to Rochester, NY., to compete against 140 other universities. The students are dedicated to using their involvement with Cougar Baja to help close the gap between classroom lessons and real-world application.
At the suggestion of The Dow Foundation the group decided that a community outreach program would be a great opportunity to help promote the sciences for high school students. The team members stressed the importance of good communication and teamwork to approximately 75 Nashville High students interested in various technologies. Cougar Baja Co-Captain and Business Manager Miles Musick said, "This is a great opportunity for our group to get out into the communities and stress the importance of the sciences as well as the fundamentals of teamwork." He went on to say, "No matter what profession these students choose, I am willing to bet they will work as part of a team. We are trying to help these students realize the things they are learning today will be valuable for ever."
Justin Schnitker, Cougar Baja Co-Captain and Fabrication Manager, added, "If our time helps inspire just one person to become something great, to strive for lofty goals, then it is time well spent." The group intends to continue the practice of community involvement with the goal of increasing the awareness of math and science to high school students throughout the Metro East area. However, the team also intends to promote communication and teamwork. "I know not all kids are interested in engineering, so for them we are here to discuss how vital it is to be a good teammate," Musick said.
With all eyes focused on the upcoming year, Cougar Baja hopes to place in the top 40 internationally. Even though the racing component is important to the group, members are are quick to point out that they represent more. "The competitions are only a small part of what we do as an organization," Schnitker said. Personally, I enjoy things like helping young people realize their potential."
For more information about Cougar Baja or hosting a community involvement program, contact Miles Musick by e-mail: mmusick@siue.edu.
9/14/07
SIUE Civil Service Banquet Set For Oct. 18 At Moose
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Civil Service Banquet Committee wants SIUE retirees to know that the annual Civil Service Banquet is set for 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 18, at the Moose Lodge in Edwardsville.
The evening includes attendance prizes, and "great food, magical and mysterious entertainment." Proceeds from a 50/50 raffle will be donated to the SIUE Staff Senate Scholarship Fund.
This year's banquet is hosted by Civil Service staff from the SIUE Office of Information Technology and Library and Information Services. Banquet Committee members include Darlyne Alldredge, Maxine Bell, Traci Claro, Pat Connaway, Anita Corradini, Roxanne Field, Sherri Guardiola, Shari Renken, Laura Scaturro and Jill Schaefer.
For more information, call Laura Scaturro, (618) 650-2712.
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is proud to celebrate its 50th Anniversary and first half century of excellence. The University has grown from 1,776 students in 1957 to nearly 13,500 students today. SIUE is a catalyst for the cultural and intellectual vitality and economic development of Southwestern Illinois and the greater St. Louis region.
9/14/07
MEDIA ADVISORY/PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
Important Presentations Set For BOT Meeting In Evergreen
AIA Presentation During Meeting; Evergreen Hall Dedication Afterwards
- Who: SIU Board of Trustees, state legislators, civic leaders, SIUE leadership
- What: Dedication of SIUE's newest residence hall; AIA designation of SIUE as one of the architectural gems of Illinois
- When: Approximately 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 20
- Where: Evergreen Hall, 74 Circle Drive
Earlier this year, SIUE's campus buildings were featured among the top 150 Illinois Great Places by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Illinois Council. AIA ranks the campus with other popular structures such as the Illinois State Capitol, the Old State Capitol, the Sears Tower, Wrigley Field, the home of Abraham Lincoln and Cahokia Mounds.
During the Sept. 20 BOT meeting, representatives of the AIA will present the board with a plaque designating the AIA distinction.
At the end of the meeting and after the usual news conference, Evergreen Hall, SIUE's newest, state-of-the-art residence hall, will be dedicated. State legislators and local civic leaders have been invited to attend the ceremony. Housing 511 beds, the opening of this residential unit brings the number of students living on campus to 3,500. After the dedication, building tours will be available and refreshments will be served.
9/14/07
SIUE's Arts & Issues Brochure Hits The Streets
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Arts & Issues series will kick off soon at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville with the Sept. 29 appearance of folk-singing legend Judy Collins. And, now, a new A&I season brochure is available at Edwardsville Public Library, at the offices of the Glen-Ed Chamber of Commerce and at the SIUE Fine Arts box office to help series fans plan for the upcoming season.
Arts & Issues has a long-standing tradition of bringing world-class performers and noted speakers to Southwestern Illinois. The colorful brochure contains all the information needed to enjoy the great performers and provocative speakers who will grace this season's Arts & Issues stage. In addition, the brochure offers annual subscription ticket information and who to call for more series information.
Edwardsville Public Library is located at 112 S. Kansas St., the Chamber offices are at 200 University Park Drive in SIUE's University Park and the box office is in Room 1042B, Katherine Dunham Hall. The brochure also is available through postal mail by calling (618) 650-5194.
SIUE is proud to celebrate its 50th Anniversary and first half century of excellence. The University has grown from 1,776 students in 1957 to nearly 13,500 students today. SIUE is a catalyst for the cultural and intellectual vitality and economic development of Southwestern Illinois and the greater St. Louis region.
9/13/07
Decision To Move Testing Lab To SIUE A Boost To The Region
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) With the news that the American Red Cross (ARC) is locating its new state-of-the-art Blood Processing Center and National Testing Laboratory facility and more than 500 new jobs to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's University Park, Jim Pennekamp is not stopping to collect accolades.
Instead, he's been on the phone to the many community organizations and individuals in the region who helped make it happen and he's thanking them.
Pennekamp, who is executive director of the 330-acre applied research and technology park, is very pleased with the ARC's decision, knowing full well it is a great boost to the economic development of the region. And, that's what he does-brings the University's resources to bear as an economic development engine for Southwestern Illinois.
He points out that SIUE has significant economic development resources in place to support the region's economic development needs. In addition to other businesses and organizations, the park houses the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center-a federal, state, and SIUE venture and the only research center of its kind in the world-and a separate biotechnology laboratory facility aimed at serving the workforce and applied research needs of the St. Louis region's life science industry. "The ARC's move to University Park is the culmination of efforts by many at the local, county, regional, and state level," Pennekamp said. "This was a collaborative effort involving a number of organizations and individuals. Their support and participation played a significant role in the final decision."
Pennekamp said those parties include Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich's Opportunity Returns Program, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), the Illinois Department of Transportation, U.S. Congressman John Shimkus (R-Collinsville), U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-Belleville), Illinois Rep. Jay Hoffman (D-Collinsville), SIUE, the University Park Board, the Madison County Board, the city of Edwardsville, Madison County Transit, the Southwestern Illinois Development Authority and the Alliance of Edwardsville and Glen Carbon.
Blagojevich said the ARC's move is a good fit for the state. "We are thrilled to welcome the American Red Cross to Illinois as they continue to advance their important work while taking advantage of the region's strong business climate, strategic location, exceptional infrastructure and highly skilled workforce," the governor said. "We have been working together with the Red Cross and will continue to have discussions about the ways we can offer our assistance as this important project moves forward."
The ARC plans to build a 170,000-square-foot facility on 15 acres along University Park Drive. This new facility has a targeted completion date of November/December 2009. According to the ARC, the new center will process blood from donors throughout the organization's South Central Division and then distribute blood components back to hospitals and transfusion centers in those states. Improved design and advanced technology in the new facility will enable the Red Cross to have its blood donations processed, tested and out to hospitals more quickly.
The project also brings a total annual payroll, excluding benefits, projected to be more than $25 million. More details will be available as the project progresses. A groundbreaking is scheduled for spring 2008.
SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift is pleased. "We welcome the ARC to the campus and to the community," he said. "This is a great example of what can be accomplished when local, state, and government entities all work together for economic development. We will all benefit from the ARC's relocation."
Pennekamp points out that University Park offers leading-edge applied research and technology-based businesses the resources and environment to improve their success and competitive advantage. There are currently 23 tenants in the Park. University Park tenants have on-site access to a variety of resources available through SIUE: technical assistance, marketing research, business management, faculty consulting and student employees.
"This move by the ARC is a tremendous opportunity for Southwestern Illinois and it clearly demonstrates the value of an engaged university committed to the economic vitality of the region it serves. I firmly believe SIUE and University Park are key assets in this region's economic development initiative," Vandegrift said.
"I appreciate the efforts of Jim Pennekamp and our partners in bringing the American Red Cross to SIUE."
9/12/07
Overwhelming Ticket Sales Lead To Flashback Encore Event
An overwhelming demand for tickets to the Flashback to the MRF has prompted the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Alumni Association to stage an encore event the next night.
The Flashback to the MRF events will take participants back in time to the days of the University's Mississippi River Festival. Tickets to the first Flashback event, slated for Thursday, Sept. 27, sold out within a few hours, which led Alumni Affairs to investigate the possibility of hosting another event.
"We're just thrilled the tickets went so fast," said Steve Jankowski, director of SIUE Alumni Affairs. "And we're glad we can provide this second opportunity to those who might not have been able to get tickets the first time around."
A second Flashback event will take place Friday, Sept. 28, in the same time and place as the first event: from 6:30-10 p.m. in the Morris Center Meridian Ballroom, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. both nights.
Attendees are encouraged to arrive when doors open to find a spot on the ballroom floor, and "bring your blankets and your memories," Jankowski said. For $2 per ticket, those who attend will enjoy the musical sounds of Rich Dalton and the Classics Band, watch two MRF films and eat Cracker Jack ™ and drink Boone's Farm ™ wine.
Tickets will go on sale online and at SIUE's Birger Hall at 8:30 a.m., Monday, Sept. 17. For more information, call the Alumni Association, (618) 650-2345, or to purchase tickets online, visit the Alumni Association Web site, www.siue.edu/alumni.
9/12/07
ARC Selects University Park To Locate Blood Manufacturing And Testing Facility
The American Red Cross is proud to announce it has selected a site for the building of a brand new, state-of-the art, centralized blood manufacturing and testing facility. The Missouri-Illinois Blood Services Region, along with the National Testing Lab (NTL), will move from its current location at 4050 Lindell Boulevard in St. Louis to a new location in University Park, on the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville campus. The Missouri-Illinois Blood Region is part of the South Central Division, which will also be headquartered at this new site.
The Red Cross will build a 170,000 square foot facility on a 15-acre site with a targeted completion date of November/December 2009. This project will help create more than 500 new jobs within University Park. The new design utilizes technological advancements in equipment and overall layout for a state-of-the-art manufacturing area.
"We welcome American Red Cross employees and families to our campus and to our community," said SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift. "In its 50-year history, SIUE has played a key role in the economic and educational development of Southwestern Illinois. We are fortunate to have had the assistance of great partners who are committed to community engagement and growth in attracting the Red Cross to SIUE. This new project in University Park means jobs, not just for the American Red Cross, but for the surrounding communities resulting from both direct and indirect expenditures related to the construction project and ongoing operations of this exciting enterprise."
The City of St. Louis has been home to Blood Services for more than 50 years. "Our anticipated move from the city brings a note of sadness to today's announcement," said David A. Chumley, Chief Executive Officer of the Missouri-Illinois Blood Region. "While Blood Services will not be headquartered within the city of St. Louis directly, we will continue to provide the same quality products and services that we have been providing here for over half a century."
The new Red Cross center will process blood from donors throughout the Midwest and Southwest and then distribute the blood components back to hospitals and transfusion centers in those states. Improved design and advanced technology in the new facility will enable the Red Cross to have its blood donations processed, tested and out to hospitals more quickly. "The need for more room to incorporate technological advances was a major factor in the decision to build a new facility," adds Chumley.
"We are thrilled to welcome the American Red Cross to Illinois as they continue to advance their important work while taking advantage of the region's strong business climate, strategic location, exceptional infrastructure and highly skilled workforce. We have been working together with the Red Cross and will continue to have discussions about the ways we can offer our assistance as this important project moves forward," said Illinois Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich.
In a national study conducted six years ago, the Red Cross learned that many of its blood-processing facilities around the country needed major renovations in order to continue to meet the highest blood safety standards and to assure blood availability to hospitals. The current Red Cross facility on Lindell Boulevard is more than 50 years old, has an aging infrastructure and is not set up for large-scale manufacturing. The SIUE campus provides the ideal location for the Red Cross to build its new facility, which will enable the organization to better position itself to meet the ongoing needs of the patients it serves. As a result of this study, the Red Cross has embarked on a National Strategic Program making this new facility at SIUE the fourth of its kind since the national study was conducted.
In 2006, a team of individuals from the Region, NTL, South Central Division and National Headquarters began reviewing numerous proposals for potential locations in Missouri and Illinois for this new site. The search area was limited to the Greater St Louis metro area. The final location selected came from 20 original sites that met the criteria. The SIUE site offers a strategic location with a strong business climate, a highly skilled workforce and the potential for exceptional infrastructure.
The design of this new facility allows for the consolidation of many Regional activities and services. The SIUE site will create a cost-effective model for manufacturing practices, allowing other Blood Regions serviced by the St. Louis NTL to send their products to this location for production and manufacturing. This project will help the Red Cross meet the increasing demand for blood products and services now and into the future.
9/10/07
Additional Rec Plex Lighting Affords Nighttime Fun
Additional lights at the SIUE RecPlex are in place and are affording University students, student organizations, and, yes, even employees, a chance to use the sports fields for more than just intramural and club sports, and to beat the summer heat, according to Keith Becherer, assistant director of Campus Recreation in charge of recreational programs.
'We're trying to get the word out to increase awareness and educate the University Community on the availability of the Rec Plex," Becherer said, "Campus Rec is going to be implementing an informal recreation night on Tuesdays during fall semester when students or employees can use the fields for open play, such as flag football, ultimate Frisbee or lacrosse, or any variety of sport.
'The lights were put up to also help us expand our intramural leagues during the week as well as meeting general demand for campus programming," Becherer said. He pointed out funding for the lighting came from student fees and the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs.
"Because of the change from a commuter campus, more and more of our residential students are understandably looking for more recreational opportunities," he said. "The lighting will allow for some exciting sports during the evening hours." For more information, contact Campus Recreation, (618) 650-2348.
9/7/07
Fall Enrollment Includes Largest New Freshman Class Ever At SIUE
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has enrolled the largest fall freshman class in its history, according to Scott Belobrajdic, SIUE's assistant vice chancellor for Enrollment Management.
Belobrajdic released the fall numbers today, saying 1,829 first-time freshmen had enrolled for fall, up from 1,764 last year, representing the fourth consecutive year of growth in new students enrolled at SIUE. "We continue to attract new students who are coming to SIUE as a first-choice institution in Illinois," Belobrajdic said.
Fall enrollment also shows the fifth year in a row of steady full time enrollment (FTE) growth at 11,280, the highest in the university's history. FTE is based on the number of hours taken by all students; the number is then divided by 12 semester hours for undergraduates and nine for graduate students, the level at which a student is considered full-time at SIUE. "The increase in FTE is an indication that we have more students on campus taking heavier course loads than in previous years, which translates to stronger student retention."
Belobrajdic also pointed out that SIUE's new freshmen have an average ACT score of 22.5, two points higher than the Illinois average (20.5) and about one point higher than the national average (21.2). SIUE's new freshman ACT average has been at or above 22.5 for the second straight year.
Todd Burrell, the University's director of Admissions, said the University's total enrollment of 13,398 includes 649 new graduate students, a dramatic increase over the 470 new graduate students who enrolled last fall and the highest student total for that group in five years.
Burrell also said SIUE's housing is near capacity. "We were very fortunate to have room for all freshmen on campus this year," Burrell said. "If Evergreen Hall had not come online, we would have had to turn students away again this fall," Burrell said.
Some 3,500 students live in four residence halls-including the newly opened Evergreen Hall, as well as Woodland, Prairie and Bluff halls, and in Cougar Village, Burrell pointed out. "More and more quality students and their parents view SIUE as a first-choice institution due to our course offerings, first rate residence halls, and the engagement of students inside and outside the classroom."
The enrollment numbers were released on the heels of the news that U.S. News and World Report recently named SIUE a Top 10 public master's level institution in the Midwest. Also, for the third year in a row, U.S. News touted SIUE's senior assignment program as a national model among 13 other elite universities-including Harvard, MIT, Brown, Duke and Princeton-for its comprehensive programs measuring the competency of graduating seniors.
SIUE is proud to celebrate its 50th Anniversary and first half century of excellence. The University has grown from 1,776 students in 1957 to nearly 13,500 students today. SIUE is a catalyst for the cultural and intellectual vitality and economic development of Southwestern Illinois and the greater St. Louis region.
9/7/07
SIUE Founders Day Parade Set For Sept. 26 In East St. Louis
(EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill.) The first Southern Illinois University classes opened in East St. Louis and Alton in September 1957, and 50 years later SIUE is better than ever. To commemorate the anniversary, there are several activities taking place this month including a very special East St. Louis Founders Day Celebration Alumni Parade beginning at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 26.
The parade is scheduled to start at 1045 State Street (11th and State streets) at the Lessie Davis Adult and Child Development Center and will end at the East St. Louis Higher Education Campus (ESLHEC), 601 James R. Thompson Blvd. SIUE alumni, Experiment in Higher Education alumni, supporters and friends are asked to wear red and white while participating in the parade.
To be a part of the commemorative march or for more information, call (618) 482-6912 or (618) 482-6978. For information about all the 50th Anniversary activities, visit the Web site: www.siue.edu/50.
Following the parade at 2:15 p.m., more activities will include a proclamation to be read by East St. Louis Mayor Alvin L. Parks, acknowledging SIUE's East St. Louis Center and its long-term commitment to empowering people and strengthening communities in the region. The mayor also will read the same proclamation during a 7 p.m. Sept. 13 East St. Louis Aldermanic Council meeting at East St. Louis City Hall, 301 River Park Drive.
The Sept. 26 festivities also will include honorary salutes as well as music and dance performances on the grounds of the ESLHEC. Reggie Thomas, a professor of Music in the SIUE Jazz Studies Program and director of the SIUE Black Studies Program, will provide entertainment for the day with an SIUE jazz combo.
A reception will follow at 3 p.m. in the ESLHEC's Building D/Multipurpose Room. In the event of inclement weather, the program and all celebratory activities will begin at 2 p.m. and take place in Building D/Multipurpose Room at the ESLHEC.
9/6/07
September Employee Of The Month
Click here for photo
Congratulations: Candace Hanfelder, a snack bar attendant for Dining Services, is recipient of the September Employee Recognition Award. Hanfelder (center) is shown here (from far left) with Joe Schuette, an administrator in Dining Services who supported the nomination; Vickie Edsall, also a Dining Services administrator who supported the nomination; Gloria Reading, assistant professor of Curriculum and Instruction in the SIUE School of Education who nominated Hanfelder; and Bill Canney, assistant director for Dining Services. Hanfelder received the award from Kenneth Neher, vice chancellor for Administration. In addition to the plaque she received, Hanfelder was awarded a $25 gift certificate to the SIUE Bookstore, a parking spot close to her office for one month, and two complimentary lunch coupons to the University Restaurant. (SIUE Photo by Denise Macdonald)
9/06/07
SIUe Day-Employee, Community Fundraising Initiative To Kick Off
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is launching the Second Annual SIUe Day, a fund-raising initiative aimed at providing a convenient opportunity for University employees and members of the community to help support the institution's efforts.
"The overall focus is to celebrate SIUE, while gaining faculty, staff and local business support annually," said Julie Babington, director of Annual Giving for the SIUE Foundation. She added that for each entity, "the number one goal for SIUe Day is participation.
"This is a way to show support for your favorite SIUE programs and services on an annual basis."
Staff will be asked to participate in the initiative from Monday, Sept. 10-Monday, Sept. 17. On Friday, Sept. 21, area businesses-through the Edwardsville/Glen Carbon Chamber of Commerce-will be asked to review materials about giving opportunities and to pledge support on commitment forms. Commitment forms will be picked up by volunteers with the campaign Thursday, Oct. 11.
This year's honorary chair is Bruce Coury, publisher of the Edwardsville Intelligencer. For more information about SIUe Day, call Babington, (618) 650-2378, or by e-mailing: jbabing@siue.edu.
9/01/07
SIUE School Of Business Students Visit Shanghai, Suzhou, Xiamen
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Eleven Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Business students recently visited the People's Republic of China as part of the School's Travel Study Program.
The students visited Shanghai, Suzhou and Xiamen along with Professor Tom Douglas, of the School's Department of Management and Marketing, and Assistant Professor Tom Lavallee, of the Department of Foreign Languages and Literature in the SIUE College of Arts and Sciences.
The group visited several companies, one of which is a "foreign-owned" enterprise-Andrew Telecommunications, a company that designs and manufactures equipment for telecommunication systems globally. The company is headquartered in Chicago.
This was the second visit to China for SIUE student Tom Kurilla, having traveled to Beijing in summer 2006, also with an SIUE travel study course in the College of Arts and Sciences. He was so enthralled that he could not wait to return.
"This travel study course had more of a business focus than the course I took last summer," Kurilla said. "On the factory tours, I was surprised by how similar the working conditions in China are to what one might find in a typical American manufacturing facility.
"When we walked into the lobby of Andrew Telecommunication, it felt like I was walking into a firm in America," he explained. "Since so many companies move overseas to cut production costs, I did not expect that they would invest in 'creature comforts' for their factories there."
However, Kurilla did not find everything to be just like home. "The biggest difference was in the work ethic," he pointed out. "It was amazing to see how hard the Chinese work. They regularly keep long hours."
Prior to such travels in the School of Business program, students attend classes to prepare them for the experience. SIUE alumnus Dion Joannou, president of Nortel North America, was on a visit to SIUE when he was asked to address this group about doing business in China. "Dion shared his experience working with the Chinese and was able to compare it to doing business in other countries, which helped show students the contrasting environments in which business is done globally," said Cyndi Peterson, assistant director of the School's International Program.
"One example that Dion shared with the students really hit home-when touring a Nortel Research and Development facility in China, it was common to see workers with a sleeping bag next to their desks because they often work extremely long hours," Peterson stated. "The thought of that drew gasps from around the room."
The SIUE group also toured two Chinese businesses in the Xiamen area. The Tenfu Tea Group, which grows, packages and sells teas of all varieties, and the Yinlu Beverage Company, which bottles juices, flavored teas and water. Students developed a more sophisticated appreciation of the complexity of doing business in China through their experience of visiting multinational enterprises.
The students said the trip was a "positive experience," especially when they interacted with students at Soochow University and Xiamen University. One student noted that "this trip to China helped me experience a wonderfully rich culture, make long-lasting friendships, and see the global world of business in a whole new light."
In October, four faculty members and one graduate student from Xiamen University will visit SIUE to continue the relationship that is more than 10 years old. The fall group will come from liberal arts and business, including advertising-journalism, foreign languages and literature, as well as international economics and business.
9/1/07
Early Childhood Leader To Speak At SIUE Education Reunion
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Lillian Katz, an international leader in early childhood education and one of the founders of the Illinois Association for the Education of Young Children, will be the guest of honor and featured speaker at the Early Childhood Reunion Reception Oct. 4 sponsored by the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Education.
The event, to be conducted from 4-8:30 p.m. in the University Restaurant, on the second floor of SIUE's Morris Center, will offer hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar. There is no cost to attend the event, but a reservation is preferred by Sept. 25. Suzie Nall and Bob Rockwell, emeriti faculty of SIUE's early childhood program, and Martha Latorre and Elizabeth Sherwood, members of the current faculty, will be on hand to greet SIUE early childhood alumni, current students and friends of the program.
Elizabeth Sherwood, assistant professor of Curriculum and Instruction in the SIUE School of Education, said Katz is a distinguished educator in her field and is known worldwide. "It is quite an honor that she has agreed to join us for this event," Sherwood said. "SIUE has been central to the development of early childhood programs throughout the region and statewide over the past 35 years.
"This event will give us an opportunity to celebrate our work and that of our graduates and faculty," Sherwood said. "We also will display architectural plans for the expansion of the SIUE Early Childhood Center, which currently is under way.
Katz, a graduate of Stanford University, taught at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign for more than three decades, from 1968 until 2000, and also directed the ERIC Clearinghouse on Elementary and Early Childhood Education for more than 30 years. She has lectured in all 50 states and in 56 countries, and she has held visiting posts at universities in Australia, Canada, England, Germany, India, Israel, the West Indies and in many parts of the United States. In 1997, she served as Nehru Professor at the University of Baroda in India.
Katz was one of the founders of the Illinois Association for the Education of Young Children and served as its first president. In addition, she served as vice president of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) from 1986 to 1990 and later was elected president of NAEYC, serving from 1992-1994.
Author of more than 150 publications, including articles, chapters, and books about early childhood education, teacher education, child development, and parenting, Katz also wrote a monthly column for several years for Parents Magazine on parenting three- and four-year-olds. She founded two journals: Early Childhood Research Quarterly and Early Childhood Research & Practice, which began publication in early 1999 as the first peer-reviewed, internet-only journal in early education. Katz currently is principal investigator for the Illinois Early Learning Project, while also lecturing and consulting around the world.
SIUE is proud to celebrate its 50th Anniversary and first half century of excellence. The University has grown from 1,776 students in 1957 to nearly 13,500 students today. SIUE is a catalyst for the cultural and intellectual vitality and economic development of Southwestern Illinois and the greater St. Louis region.
August 2007
· Arts & Issues Highlights MRF As SIUE Celebrates 50th Birthday·Meet The New Faculty
·School of Business Faculty Member Appointed to State Advisory Committee
SIUE's Lovejoy Library Will Host Traveling Exhibit
·Changes
· School of Nursing Alumni Heritage Walk Saturday, Sept. 15
· SIUE Announces Opening Of 42-Year-Old Time Capsule
· SIUE Co-Hosted Recent Lincoln Symposium In Springfield
· SIUE Moves Into Top Ten Public Midwest Schools in U.S. News Rankings
· SIUE, City Join To 'Rock the Block' At The Welcome Back Block Party
· SIUE Group Experienced Life In Turkey For One Month
· SIUE And The City Of Edwardsville Welcome Back Students
· 50th Anniversary Plans Underway
· SIUE Nursing Student Receives Prestigious Scholarship From AACN
· New Freshman Welcome and Convocation
· SIU/SDM Associate Professor Gives Back To Jamaica
· Marketing Survey Shows SIUE Has Moved Ahead In Three Years
· Engineering Professor Recognized By International Publication
· Social Work Chair Named Asst. Provost For Faculty Development And Diversity
· Construction Researchers Awarded Grant To Study 3D Lasers
· SIUE Commencement Set For Aug. 4 At The Vadalabene Center
· Sisters Obtaining Sisterhood Program Will Serve High School Girls Through The East St. Louis Center
8/27/07
Arts & Issues Highlights MRF As SIUE Celebrates 50th Birthday
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Legendary folk singer-composer Judy Collins, who graced the stage under the Mississippi River Festival (MRF) big tent five times at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, makes a triumphant return to SIUE on the Arts & Issues stage at 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29, in "An Evening with Judy Collins."
Collins will make her appearance in Meridian Ballroom just five days after the University kicks off its yearlong 50th birthday celebration Sept. 24-SIUE Founders Day. Meridian Ballroom is on the first floor of the Delyte W. Morris University Center. Collins' appearance is co-sponsored by Prairie Farms Dairy Inc. and the SIUE Alumni Association.
Arts & Issues, which has a long-standing tradition of bringing world-class performers and noted speakers to Southwestern Illinois, presents another terrific season that also will include the return of Arlo Guthrie-who appeared at the MRF four times-at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 5, 2008. His "Solo Reunion Tour-Together At Last" will be staged in Meridian Ballroom. His appearance is being sponsored by the SIUE Alumni Association.
"We're proud of SIUE and we're going to celebrate throughout this academic year," said Dixie Engelman, chair of the 50th Birthday Celebration Committee. The University began classes in Alton and East St. Louis in fall 1957. "With the Arts & Issues series offering two of the biggest stars of the Mississippi River Festival, as well as a full line-up of performers and speakers, the campus will be the center of attention throughout the St. Louis Metropolitan Area."
Grant Andree, coordinator of the Arts & Issues series, echoed that sentiment. "What an exciting season we have planned as we honor SIUE's 50 years and continue the tradition of Arts & Issues," Andree said. " Arts & Issues has been a big part of this University for nearly half of its history.
" Arts & Issues enters its 23rd season of bringing exciting performers and provocative speakers to Southwestern Illinois audiences," Andree said. "Happy Birthday, SIUE."
Considered one of the major interpretive folksingers of the 1960s, Judy Collins trained classically but turned to folk music at age 15, recording her first album- A Maid of Constant Sorrow-at age 22. Her first gold record came in 1967 with Wildflowers, which contained the ever popular Both Sides Now, written by a young composer who would later come into her own right-Joni Mitchell. Collins' later career included forays into more mainstream music, scoring hits with Stephen Sondheim's Send in the Clowns, and with her own pieces, My Father and Born to the Breed.
As a composer-folksinger, Arlo Guthrie has furthered the legacy of his father, Woody Guthrie, but with a more modern sound within American string traditions. Whereas his father, the itinerant folksinger who traveled around the country championing the cause of the poor and the downtrodden worker, Arlo preferred to forge his own style that has endured.
The younger Guthrie recently created a program of symphonic arrangements of his own songs and other American classics, An American Scrapbook. By the end of this year, Guthrie will have performed in more than 40 concerts with 27 symphony orchestras throughout the United States, including a broadcast on PBS's Evening at Pops.
Other Arts & Issues performers include the high-energy swing band whose music puts the "zoot" in "zoot suit"-Big Bad Voodoo Daddy-at 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30, in Meridian Ballroom. Billed as "revived big band music for the '90s," BBVD concentrates on the swinging days of the '40s and '50s, borrowing some Rat Pack lingo, while infusing old-school jive and a lively horn section. BBVD's show is sponsored by The Cassens Companies.
Sandra Reaves-Phillips brings her saucy singing act- The Late Great Ladies of Blues & Jazz-back to the Arts & Issues stage at 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2, in the theater at SIUE's Katherine Dunham Hall. Audiences will love the way Reaves-Phillips renders her versions of some of the greatest blues and jazz singers in history-Bessie Smith, Ma Rainey, Ethel Waters and Billie Holiday, to name a few.
Arts & Issues speakers during the 2007-08 season will include retired U.S. Army Gen. Barry McCaffrey, a frequent commentator on national television about the military and whose topic will be "The War on Terrorism," at 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27, in Meridian Ballroom, sponsored by Commerce Bank; Anna Deavere Smith, playwright, professor and performance artist, at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 27, in Meridian; and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and best-selling author Anna Quindlen, at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 24, in Meridian, sponsored by National City Bank.
A season brochure will be available to the public next week and may be found at several locations throughout the Edwardsville-Glen Carbon area or by calling (618) 650-5194. The brochure will contain information about the events and subscription sales for the 2007-08 season. For additional information about the series, call Grant Andree, (618) 650-2626.
More information and tickets are available through the Web site: www.siue.edu/artsandissues.
EDITORS: Photos suitable for print are available at www.siue.edu/artsandissues/photoindex/
8/28/07
Meet The New Faculty
During SIUE Cougar Welcome, we not only welcome new and returnng students, but we also enjoy meeting new faculty and staff. Below is a list of new faculty members and a little bit about each one:
BARBARA ASTORINO
Barbara Astorino received a BSN and an MSN, both from the Barnes College of Nursing at the University of Missouri-St. Louis in 1997 and 2006, respectively. She has taught at Midwest Institute, St. Louis Community College at Meramec and the Chamberlain College of Nursing. Her clinical experience includes floor nursing, home health and school nursing. Plans include pursuit of a doctorate.
JEFFREY BANKER
Dr. Jeff Banker, who has been teaching part time at the SIU School of Dental Medicine this past year, has joined the SDM full time. He joined the SDM faculty last year after retiring from the U.S. Air Force. Dr. Banker earned a DDS at the University of Illinois College of Dentistry in 1986 and a master's in oral biology and a certificate in prosthodontics at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Dr. Banker, his wife and two sons reside in O'Fallon.
MICHELE BEATTY
Michele Beatty is teaching life span, growth and development as well as care of persons with complex health needs in the School of Nursing. She received an MSN from SIUE and a BSN from St. John's College of Nursing. Her area of specialization is teaching strategies using simulations.
BETTE BERGERON
Earlier this year, Bette S. Bergeron joined SIUE as dean of the School of Education. Most recently, Bergeron was an associate dean and director of the School of Educational Innovation and Teacher Preparation at Arizona State University's Polytechnic campus, where she was instrumental in developing the School and its academic programs. Her administrative experiences also have included chairing the Teacher Education programs at Purdue University Calumet in Hammond, Ind. The dean's research interests include early literacy instruction, teacher preparation and program assessment. Bergeron earned a master's and a doctorate at Purdue University, and completed undergraduate studies at the University of Maine. She entered the education profession as a second grade teacher in Veazie, Maine.
SERDAR CELIK
Serdar Celik, who has joined SIUE as an assistant professor in Mechanical Engineering, received a doctorate from SIU Carbondale in 2007, a master of science from Istanbul (Turkey) Technical University and a bachelor of science from Yildiz Technical University, also in Turkey. His research interest is in thermal science and acoustics. Celik also was an engineer in the Arcelik A.S. R&D Center and Guven Klima Ltd., in Istanbul. Celik and his wife, Esra, had their first child, Faruk Ilgaz, last October.
RADHIKA DEVRAJ
Radhika Devraj earned a doctorate in pharmacy administration at Purdue University. She received a master's in social and administrative pharmacy at the University of Toledo and a BPharm at the University of Bombay.
BRYAN DUCKHAM
Bryan Duckham, who is teaching theory and practice in the Department of Social Work, received a doctorate from Loyola University of Chicago and a master's from Saint Louis University. Duckham's scholarly interests include substance abuse and addictions, religion, spirituality and theory and philosophy, and ethnic trauma. Other interests include singing and guitar playing, tennis and running. He and his wife, Janet, have three children: Ian, Graham and Sophie.
CHRIS EUBANK
Chris Eubank is a doctoral candidate at the University of Illinois Urbana/Champaign. He earned a master's in music education at Eastern New Mexico University. Eubank joined the SIUE music faculty teaching music education courses and conducting a choral ensemble. His scholarly interests are vocal development and music education as well as the student teaching experience. Other interests include singing, playing the piano, theater, racquetball, swimming and pets.
GARY FISCHER
After several years of part-time service to the SIU School of Dental Medicine, Dr. Gary Fischer was named director of the Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency program June 1. A 1982 graduate of the SIU/SDM, he received a general practice residence certificate from the VA Medical Center in Memphis, Tenn., in 1983. Dr. Fischer and his family reside in Collinsville.
CARLY HAYDEN FOSTER
Carly Hayden Foster earned a doctorate at the University of Kansas; her dissertation title is Public Opinion on Welfare Policy. As a member of the SIUE Department of Political Science faculty, Foster teaches women and politics. Her scholarly interests include welfare policy and women's political participation. Other interests include her children and bicycling.
SUSAN GALLAGHER
Susan Gallagher, who has joined the School of Nursing faculty, has been a registered nurse for 11 years. Areas in which she has additional experience include nursing management, staff development/education, quality assurance and consultant roles. Gallagher received a master's in gerontology from Saint Louis University and a BSN from Barnes College at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. She also has American Nurses Credentialing Center-certification in geriatrics and is a geriatric clinical nurse specialist. Gallagher teaches geriatric nursing assessment, foundations assessment lab and clinical rotations.
MEDHA GAUTAM
Medha Gautam, who has joined the School of Dental Medicine to teach pharmacology, earned a B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D. at the University of Bombay in India. Before becoming a member of the SIU/SDM faculty, Gautam came from Saint Louis University Medical School, where she taught and performed independent research. She and her family reside in St. Louis.
CHRIS GORDON
Chris Gordon, who has joined the Department of Construction in the School of Engineering as an assistant professor, received a doctorate in civil and environmental engineering from Carnegie Mellon University and a bachelor of science and a master of science in civil and environmental engineering from Stanford University. In his research, Gordon investigates applications of emerging technologies in the construction domain. His teaching interests include project management, construction methods and materials, and computing in construction.
HELENA GURFINKEL
Helena Gurfinkel is teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in critical theory and Victorian literature in the Department of English Language and Literature. She earned a doctorate in English at Tufts University, a master's in English at Northeastern University and a master of science in publishing at Pace University. Scholarly interests include literary and cultural theory, Victorian literature and cultural studies, gender and sexuality studies and film. Other interests include reading, film, music, the arts and travel.
KENDRA HENSKE
Kendra Henske joined the School of Nursing after serving as an obstetrics nurse clinician at Alton Memorial Hospital. Beginning her career as an LPN, Henske graduated from F.W. Olin School of Practical Nursing in Godfrey in 1984. In 1992, she earned an associate degree in nursing at Lewis and Clark Community College. Eleven years later, she obtained a BSN from McKendree College and continued her education at SIUE, where she earned an MSN in nurse education. Henske's primary interest lies within the maternal infant field of nursing, from which she has gained experience with families, providing total nursing care for mothers and infants. Her primary focus is prenatal education and lactation.
CHRISTA HOPP
Dr. Christa Hopp joined the SIU School of Dental Medicine faculty on a part-time basis in February 2006 and recently became a full time member of the SIU/SDM faculty. Dr. Hopp is a 2003 graduate of the SIU/SDM and completed its residency program in advanced education in general dentistry in 2004. Dr. Hopp and her family reside in Glen Carbon.
MUSONDA KAPATAMOYO
Musonda Kapatamoyo received a doctorate and a master's in mass communications from Ohio University. He joined the SIUE Department of Mass Communications to teach multimedia and Web design. Earlier this year, Kapatamoyo served as master of ceremonies at the 20th anniversary of Communication and Development Studies (CommDev) Conference and also is online editor of Information and Communication Technology for Zambia Research and Development Center. Last year, Kapatamoyo also chaired a session for the International Association for Intercultural Communication Studies Conference.
FRANCES KARANOVICH
Frances Karanovich recently joined the Department of Educational Leadership after serving as a teacher, principal and school superintendent in both Illinois and Georgia. In 2005, she was named the Illinois Superintendent of the Year by the American Association of School Administrators. She has also served as a leader in numerous organizations such as the Governor's Educational Task Force in Illinois, the Illinois Association of School Administrators, the Illinois Women Administrator's Organization and Phi Delta Kappa.
PATRICIA KELLY\
Patricia Kelly, who has been teaching adult medical/surgical clinicals part time in the SIUE School of Nursing, joins the faculty this fall as a full-time member. She currently is teaching an IS class, "Contemporary Health Care Issues," as well as two senior nursing medical/surgical clinicals. Kelly has served the adult medical/surgical arena for 21 years and continues part-time on an adult medical floor at an area hospital along with teaching at SIUE.
STEFANEE KETH
Stefanee Keth started her nursing career in 1997 as a nurse in the Special Care Nursery at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. After a year, she transferred to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at St. Louis Children's Hospital. She is a certified extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and cardiac specialist, as well as a preceptor and mentor to other nurses. She received a BSN from Jewish Hospital College of Nursing in 2000. Keth recently graduated from the University of Missouri-St. Louis with an MSN as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and is part of the SIUE School of Nursing faculty in conjunction with a nurse practitioner position at Cardinal Glennon Children's Medical Center.
DANIEL KETTEMAN
Dr. Dan Ketteman, who has been a part-time faculty member at the School of Dental Medicine since 2005, joined the SDM faculty full time in February. He received a D.D.S. from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 1981 and was in private practice until becoming a full-time faculty member at SIU/SDM. Dr. Ketteman resides in St. Louis.
CAROL LARK
Carol Lark earned a doctorate in applied psychology and art therapy at the Union Institute and a master's in counseling psychology, with an emphasis in Art Therapy, from Lindenwood University. Scholarly interests include social dreaming as a visionary and social process for artist-community dialogue; art, movement and psychodramatic enactment as integrative action methods in the treatment of trauma with adults; the art therapist's role formation in community arts practice; and the continuum of art therapy practice. Other interests include recreational kayaking and sailing (crew); photography; travel, sightseeing, and cross-cultural encounters; and creative writing, to name a few.
SHONDA LAWRENCE
Shonda Lawrence received a doctorate in social work from the University of Illinois at Chicago Jane Addams College of Social Work; an MS in Corrections/Criminal Justice from Chicago State University; and an MSW from UIC. She teaches research and policy in the Department of Social Work. Her scholarly interests are child welfare and the corrections system; impact of parental incarceration on children and families; and father involvement among African-American men.
FAITH LIEBL
Faith Liebl received a doctorate from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a master's from SIU Carbondale. She joined the SIUE Department of Biological Sciences, where she is teaching cell and molecular biology, contemporary biology and neurobiology. Her scholarly interests include synapse development, learning and memory. She enjoys spending time with her husband and dogs, and is an avid football fan.
MIN LIU
Min Liu, who earned a doctorate at North Dakota State University, has joined the SIUE Department of Speech Communication, teaching communication theory, communication research methods and health communication. Her scholarly interests include safe sex behaviors among Chinese women and mediated government messages on issues of sexual health and the gay community. Other interests include cooking, traveling and reading.
REBECCA LUEBBERT
Rebecca Luebbert, who has joined the School of Nursing to teach the psychiatric/mental health nursing course for undergraduate nursing students, is an American Nurses Credentialing Center-certified clinical nurse specialist in adult psychiatric/mental health nursing. She completed her MSN in psychiatric nursing and is a doctoral student in nursing at Saint Louis University. Luebbert is at work on her dissertation with an anticipated graduation date of 2008. Her area of interest is human subject protection and issues of risk to coercion and informed consent in vulnerable populations.
DENNIS MARES
Dennis Mares earned doctorate and master's degrees in Criminology at the University of Missouri-St. Louis as well as a master's in Cultural Anthropology from Utrecht University. At SIUE, Mares is teaching courses in police and methods for the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice. His scholarly interests include neighborhood dimensions of violence and the history of crime and justice.
ADRIAN MATEJKA
Adrian Matejka joined the Department of English Language and Literature this fall. He enjoys college basketball games and believes in supporting athletics.
CHRISTINE MATTINGLY
Christine Mattingly, Ph.D.(c), RN, who has joined the School of Nursing faculty, returned to school at age 33 to continue her education in hopes of completing her journey with a doctorate. Mattingly has practiced in many areas of nursing and has finally "reached her passion"-teaching others to be nurses.
THERESA (TERI) MCCULLOUGH
Theresa McCullough received a Pharm.D. from the St. Louis College of Pharmacy. She joined the SIUE School of Pharmacy as a clinical assistant professor and assistant director of experimental education.
MARCELO NIETO
Marcelo Nieto, who joined the SIUE School of Pharmacy as an assistant professor, earned a doctorate in chemistry at the National University of Cordoba in Argentina.
CHRISTOPHER PEARSON
Christopher Pearson, who joined the Department of Philosophy, received a doctorate from the University of Washington. He teaches courses in philosophy of science, critical thinking, epistemology and environmental ethics. Pearson's current scholarly interests include philosophy of biology, philosophy of science and environmental ethics. Other interests include running, triathlons, wine and reading.
KENNETH RAWSON
Dr. Kenneth Rawson comes to the SIU School of Dental Medicine upon completing his pediatric dentistry residency at the University of Nevada SDM. Dr. Rawson is a 2005 graduate of the SIU/SDM. Dr. Rawson, his wife and three children reside in Glen Carbon.
ELIO REYES
Dr. Elio Reyes joins the SIU School of Dental Medicine as an assistant professor upon completing his periodontal residence with Saint Louis University. As part of his residence, Reyes was a part-time instructor with the SIU/SDM. In 1992, he received a dental degree in Mexico, where he also practiced dentistry from 1993 until 2003. Dr. Reyes resides in St. Louis.
KATIE RONALD
Katie Ronald, who joined the SIUE School of Pharmacy as a clinical assistant professor, received a PharmD from the St. Louis College of Pharmacy.
MARY Z. ROSEMary Z. Rose, who has joined Lovejoy Library's Technical and Access Services, earned a master's in civil engineering at the University of Missouri-Rolla and a master's in Library and Information Science from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Scholarly interests include information seeking behavior, faceted classification and subject thesauri. She enjoys camping, reading and music.
CHRISTOPHER ROSNICK
Christopher Rosnick, who joined the Department of Psychology to teach developmental psychology and the psychology of aging, recently completed a post-doctoral research fellowship in the Lifespan Developmental Psychology Laboratory at Brandeis University. He earned a doctorate in aging studies and an MPH in biostatistics at the University of South Florida. Rosnick's dissertation focuses on the association between stress and cognitive performance in older adults. Rosnick is a frequent presenter at annual meetings of the Gerontological Society of America and American Public Health Association.
JEFFREY SABBY
Jeffrey Sabby, who joined the Department of Physics to teach astronomy and physics, received a doctorate and a master's degree from the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville. His scholarly interests include spectroscopic eclipsing binaries, telescope automation and exoplanet research. Other interests include bicycling, hiking and canoeing.
YULONDA SANO
Yulonda Sano, who has joined the Historical Studies faculty, is a doctoral candidate at The Ohio State University, expecting to graduate this year. She received a master's from the University of Kentucky. Scholarly interests include history of medicine and the age of Jim Crowism. Other interests include tennis and photography.
MARC SCHAPMAN
Marc Schapman received a doctorate and a master's, both in music, from Indiana University. He joined the SIUE Department of Music to teach song literature, diction, vocal pedagogy and the department's opera workshop. Schapman's scholarly interests include the operatic works of Gaetano Donizetti and Giacomo Puccini. His avocational interests are football, weightlifting, movies, traveling and family. Marc and his wife, Nicole, and their daughter, Lucy, reside in Edwardsville.
JOE SCHOBER
Joe Schober, who joined the SIUE School of Pharmacy as an assistant professor, earned a doctorate in biology at Saint Louis University and a master's at Stephen F. Austin State University.
STACY SKELTON
Stacy Skelton, who joined the SIUE School of Nursing to teach care of the person with complex needs, care of the older person, and transition to role, received an MSN from the University of Missouri-St. Louis and a BSN from Barnes College of Nursing at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. She also is a certified clinical transplant coordinator. Skelton's special interest is organ transplant.
CLAY WILLIAMS
Clay Williams earned a doctorate in management information systems (MIS) at the University of Georgia. His dissertation topic is "Coordinating in Federated Information Technology Governance Structures: A Longitudinal Process Perspective." Research interests include understanding the impacts and interactions of information technology and organizational design with a focus on structuring of enterprise processes to achieve business outcomes. He enjoys running, hiking, travel and snow skiing.
NATHALIE WILLIAMS
Nathalie Williams, who has joined the SIUE School of Nursing, has taught nursing for more than 20 years, spending the last eight years living and working with childbearing and parenting women in a rural area of the Missouri Ozarks. Williams also lived and worked in the New Orleans area, earning a master's in parent child nursing at Louisiana State University. She currently is completing a doctorate in nursing at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Williams' research interest include the health and wellbeing of childbearing women and their children, with a particular interest in rural and underserved populations. She hopes that her dissertation, Missouri Ozark Women's Experiences of Living with Postpartum Depression Symptoms, is only the beginning of a program of research with rural and underserved populations in Missouri and Illinois.
JUSHENG (JASON) YU
Jason Yu, who has joined the SIUE Department of Mass Communications, teaches courses in fundamentals of advertising, media research methods and media planning. He is expected to receive a doctorate in mass communications from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He also received a master's in journalism from the University of Texas at Austin. Yu's scholarly interests include communication theory; advertising effectiveness; and consumer heavier and marketing. Other interests include photography.
8/27/07
School of Business Faculty Member Appointed to State Advisory Committee
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Rik W. Hafer, chair of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Department of Economics and Finance in the SIUE School of Business, has been appointed to the Illinois State Treasurer's new External Investment Policy Committee.
The committee provides the state treasurer's office with independent advice and outside opinion on the department's investment activities. "A key objective of the committee is to increase the transparency of actions taken by the Treasurer's office in its investing of state funds," Hafer explained.
"The makeup of the committee is broad and diverse, with its nine members coming from both the public and private sectors." Hafer said four members come from the Illinois General Assembly, while the other five are chosen by the Treasurer's office from other occupations.
Hafer has had experience with the Treasurer's office in the past. For several years he has made presentations to the Public Investors Financial Forum conducted in Springfield. "The symposium brings together representatives from municipalities and counties throughout the state," he said. "The purpose is to provide them with updates on changes in investing, financial markets and the economy.
"This is a great opportunity and responsibility. I am honored to be chosen and to represent SIUE in this new endeavor," Hafer said. "I hope to take much of what I am learning back into the classroom."
Tim Schoenecker, interim dean of the SIUE School of Business said Hafer's expertise regarding financial markets and the banking system makes him perfectly qualified for this appointment. "I'm confident that he will serve the State Treasurer well in this capacity," Schoenecker said. Before joining the School of Business in 1989, Hafer was a research economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. In 1999 he was named director of the Office of Economic Education and Business Research at SIUE and he has been chair of the Department of Economics and Finance since 2001. This past spring Hafer was named Distinguished Research Professor at the University.
8/24/07
SIUE's Lovejoy Library Will Host Traveling Exhibit
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's Lovejoy Library has been chosen as the site for a traveling exhibit, Art and Architecture in Illinois Libraries, which will run Tuesday, Sept. 4-Friday, Oct. 6.
Designed to appeal to audiences of all ages, the collection consists of images and information gathered by Eastern Illinois University's Booth Library.
A reception to kick off the display will take place at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 7, in the Sullivan Lounge on the second floor of the Lovejoy Library. Speakers will include SIUE Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Paul Ferguson, John Celuch of Inlandesign and SIUE Professor Ivy Cooper, art and design.
The project is funded by the Illinois State Library, which is a division of the Office of the Secretary of State. Money from the Institute of Museum and Library Sciences, under the federal Library Services and Technology Act and Booth Library.
For more information, contact Kyle Moore, director of development, (618) 650-2714.
8/22/07
Changes
- Retirements
Barbara Avent, project specialist/teacher for University Services to East St. Louis, effective June 1 after nearly 24 years of service. - Elena Badjie, a faculty associate for University Services to East St. Louis, effective June 1 after nearly six years of service.
- Judith Bartel, assistant director of Admissions, effective July 1 after 34 years of service.
- Kathlyn Behm, an associate professor at Lovejoy Library, effetctive July 1 after more than 15 years of service.
- Steven Bender, a University Police sergeant, effective Aug. 1 after more than 23 years of service.
- Ruby Ferrell, project specialist/teacher aide for University Services to East St. Louis, effective Aug. 1 after 25 years of service.
- Sharon Flaugher, a secretary in the Department of Special Education and Communications Disorders and a former receptionist in the president's office on the SIUE campus, effective July 1 after nearly 34 years of service.
- Lynn Heidinger-Brown, director of Continuing Education, effective July 1, after more than 27 years of service.
- Catherine Juneau, a nurse for Health Services, effective June 1 after more than 12 years.
- Sharon Kaufman, payroll assistant manager for Facilities Management, effective Aug. 1 after 23 years of service.
- Michael Mason, curator for The University Museum, effective July 1 after more than 32 years of service.
- Rebecca Nimmo, a dental clerk, effective June 1 after 29 years of service.
- Mike Reinhardt, a Lovejoy Library Operations associate, effective Aug. 1 after more than 30 years.
- Helen Thurman, a project specialist/teacher aide for University Services to East St. Louis, effective June 1 after more than 12 years of service.
- Barbara Watts, project specialist/teacher for University Services to East St. Louis, effective Aug. 1 after nearly 24 years of service/
- Christina Wilson, instructor in the Department of Biological Sciences, effective Aug. 1 after 24 years.
- Luerine Wright, a project specialist/teacher for University Services to East St. Louis, effective June 1 after 18 years of service.
- Steve Zika, assistant registrar, effective July 1 after 35 years of service.
Personnel - Noell Birondo, assistant professor of Philosophy, left the University March 13
- Melanie Brimer, assistant professor of Special Education and Communications Disorders, left the University May 15.
- Anthony Cheeseboro, associate professor of Historical Studies, has been named chair of that department.
- Peter Cocuzza, associate professor of Theater and Dance, has been named chair of that department.
- Dana Collins, assistant professor of Special Education and Communications Disorders, left the University Aug. 15 to accept a similar position at the University of Minnesota at Duluth.
- Elizabeth Delfert, an assistant professor at Lovejoy Library, left the University May 25.
- Theresa Ebeler, director of the Small Business Development Center in the School of Business, left the University May 31 to accept a position with TheBANK of Edwardsville.
- Marko Grunhagen, assistant professor of Management and Marketing, left the University Aug. 15 to accept a position elsewhere.
- Keqin Gu, professor of Mechanical Engineering, has been named chair of that department.
- Alexander Haskell, assistant professor of Historical Studies, left the University May 15 to accept a position at the University of California at Riverside.
- Asao Inoue, assistant professor of English Language and Literature, left the University Aug. 15 to accept a position elsewhere.
- Myunghee Kim, assistant professor of Political Science, left the University May 15 to accept a similar position at the University of Central Florida.
- Larry LaFond, associate professor of English Language and Literature, has been named chair of that department.
- Zi-Qing Lin, assistant professor of Bioloigical Sciences, has been named director of that department's Environmental Sciences program.
- Greg Luttrell, assistant professor of Civil Engineering, left the University May 15.
- Eric Malina, assistant professor of Chemistry, left the University May 15 to accept a position elsewhere.
- Kyle Moore joined the University Aug. 6 as director of development for Lovejoy Library.
- Randall Pearson, professor of Geography and chair of that department, will continue as chair.
- Ann Riley, assistant professor at Lovejoy Library and director of the Library's Technical/Access Services unit, left the University May 31 to accept a position elsewhere.
- Donyell Roseboro, assistant professor of Educational Leadership, left the University Aug. 15 to accept a position elsewhere.
- Nader Saniei, professor of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, left the University April 30 to accept a position elsewhere.
- Kimberly Shaw, associate professor of Physics, left the University Aug. 1 to accept a position elsewhere.
- Rachel Singpurwalla, assistant professor of Philosophy, left the University Aug. 15 to accept a position elsewhere.
- Lesa Stern, director of assessment in the Office of the Provost, left the University June 30 to accept a position elsewhere.
- Zixue Tai, assistant professor of Mass Communications, left the University July 31 to accept a position elsewhere.
- Anne Valk, associate professor of Historical Studies, left the University May 31 to accept a position at Brown University.
- Jeffrey VanCleave, assistant professor of Speech Communication, left the University Aug. 5 to accept a position elsewhere.
- Richard Woffel, assistant professor of Geography, left the University Aug. 14.
8/17/07
School of Nursing Alumni Heritage Walk Saturday, Sept. 15
Who: School of Nursing alumni, faculty, staff, students,
family members, supporters
What: A walk to celebrate Nursing Alumni Weekend
When: 9 a.m.-noon, Saturday, Sept. 15, 2007
Where: North lawn of Alumni Hall on the SIUE campus
Why: To celebrate Nursing Alumni Weekend and the caring and dedication of nurses to health care; to raise money for nursing student scholarships.
Registration is $25 for alumni and friends of nursing; $15 for current SIUE students. This fee includes breakfast the morning of the event and an event T-shirt. All proceeds will benefit the Nursing Alumni Heritage Award. Scholarships are awarded annually to one undergraduate nursing student, one RN-to-bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) student, one advanced BSN student and one graduate student.
Tours of the campus and the School of Nursing's Simulated Learning Center for Health Sciences will take place during the event. Attendees also may visit hospital and healthcare agency booths with health care information.
For more information, call Angie Peters, director of development for the School of Nursing, (618) 650-3906, or Kris Heather, special events coordinator, (618) 650-2551.
8/17/07
SIUE Announces Opening Of 42-Year-Old Time Capsule
WHO: Students, staff, retirees, members of the community and community leaders
WHAT: Time Capsule Opening, the opening of a 42-year-old time capsule
WHERE: Stratton Quadrangle on the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville campus WHEN: noon-1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 23
WHY: The event will be held as a pre-50th Anniversary celebration
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) An SIUE School of Business alumnus recalls walking across campus in 1965 and stumbling on a time capsule burial ceremony. To his amusement at the time, he was asked to write a note to be included in the capsule.
He wrote the note and now 42 years have passed. Darwin May, an SIUE graduate who earned a bachelor's in business management, no longer remembers what his note said. He will fly from his home in Los Angeles, Calif., to his alma mater for the capsule ceremony in the hope of reading again after all these years.
SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift and Dixie Engelman, emerita dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and chair of the SIUE 50th Anniversary Planning Committee, will speak at the event.
For information about upcoming 50th Anniversary events, visit www.siue.edu/50.
8/17/07
SIUE Co-Hosted Recent Lincoln Symposium In Springfield
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's Adventure of the American Mind program (AAM) recently co-hosted the Learning with Lincoln (LWLI) symposium at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield.
Along with Eastern Illinois University's AAM/Teaching with Primary Sources (TPS) Program, SIUE co-hosted the symposium earlier this month. Participants were joined by Vivian Awumey, coordinator of the TPS program of the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. The symposium included special "behind the scenes" tours of the library and its archives, as well as an opportunity to visit the Lincoln Museum. Seven teachers from the Edwardsville community participated in the event.
AAM is funded through the Library of Congress and awarded in Illinois through the efforts and support of U.S. Sen. Richard J. "Dick" Durbin (D-IL) in summer 2002. K-12 in-service teachers from EIU and SIUE institute programs met at the symposium after attending seminars held on their respective campuses.
At SIUE, the AAM program is administered by the School of Education. Bette Bergeron, dean of the School, notes that the LWLI program "provides teachers with the invaluable opportunity to integrate primary historical sources into lessons in order to make history 'come alive' to students." She said the collaborative endeavor "is a model for motivating students and their teachers to share in the excitement of our country's rich history."
The symposium is designed to enhance content knowledge, assist in identifying best instructional practices in teaching with digital primary sources, and supports the development of teacher lesson plans integrating the Library of Congress' digital collections. The SIUE/EIU symposium allowed participants from both campuses to collaborate and share the lessons created during the symposium.
The symposium is proudly endorsed by the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission; visit the Web site: www.lincolnbicentennial.gov. For more information about the symposium, visit www.eiu/~eiutps/lwli or contact Amy Wilkinson, SIUE AAM program director for the School of Education, (618) 650.3777.
For more information about the AAM/TPS, visit: www.siue.edu/education/aam.
Beautifully situated on 2,660 acres, SIUE is a public institution offering a broad choice of degrees and programs ranging from liberal arts to professional studies. Nearly 13,500 students choose SIUE for undergraduate and graduate education just 25 minutes from St. Louis. SIUE celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2007-2008.
8/17/07
SIUE Moves Into Top Ten Public Midwest Schools in U.S. News Rankings
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) For the first time in its history, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has moved into the top 10 in the Top Public Universities Midwest-Master's category, according to the annual U.S. News & World Report rankings released today.
SIUE moved up nine positions in the Midwest-Master's rankings, among public and private universities, since last year. There is no Illinois public university ranked higher than SIUE in that category. The overall scores are based on several criteria including a peer assessment by university administrators who this year gave SIUE the highest score in its category of any Illinois public institution.
SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift said he was "extremely pleased" with the new rankings. "A committed faculty of teacher/scholars, strong programs and staff support, combined with a shared sense of community, make for a great educational experience at SIUE," Vandegrift said.
"The 'e' continues its momentum as we look forward next month to starting our year-long 50th Anniversary celebration and as we begin the next half-century."
In addition, SIUE was heralded by U.S. News for a third consecutive year in the senior capstone experience category, among 13 elite universities-including Harvard, MIT, Brown, Duke and Princeton-for its comprehensive programs measuring the competency of graduating seniors.
At SIUE, the program is called senior assignment and is required curriculum for all seniors to demonstrate their degree of general education knowledge, as well as knowledge within their disciplines prior to graduation.
SIUE's senior assignment program has been recognized on several occasions as a model for other institutions across the nation. In a report from The Association of American Colleges and Universities last year, SIUE's program was lauded as an effective tool in gauging the comprehensiveness of academic programs. "The Senior Assignment is the hallmark of a baccalaureate education at SIUE," said Victoria Scott, director of assessment at SIUE. "It is all-encompassing in that it weaves together evaluation of program outcomes and general education goals.
"While involved in the senior assignment, students are actively engaged in their education," she pointed out. "Each senior assignment is unique because departmental faculty determine the desirable characteristics that each program graduate must demonstrate.
"For example, the senior assignment in Computer Science may involve software design with input from external professionals; in Chemistry, students may conduct basic research which is presented to the faculty and at national meetings; in Special Education, students complete a portfolio related to student teaching demonstrating classroom impact of children with disabilities."
In response to these recent rankings, SIUE Provost Paul Ferguson commented, "this national recognition from our peers and national associations strongly supports the commitment of SIUE to continuous quality improvement in all of our academic programs and is a wonderful affirmation of the excellence of our faculty, staff and students."
8/17/07
SIUE, City Join To 'Rock the Block' At The Welcome Back Block Party
(EDWARDSVILLE)The Smash Band, featuring lead singer, Smash-a/k/a popular My 103.3 FM radio personality Asher Benrubi-leads the late-summer fun and entertainment as they "rock the block" at the intersection of Second and St. Louis streets for the eighth annual Welcome Back Block Party in Edwardsville on Aug. 24, sponsored by the city of Edwardsville and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
Smash returns for a third year by popular demand, with music from 8-midnight that Friday for dancing. The Smash Band knows how to rock the new tunes, but also swings the oldies while adding a touch of the big band era.
SIUE students, faculty, staff and the community are invited to start the party at 6 p.m. with no admission charge. "This is a great way for our students to become acquainted with the downtown Edwardsville business district," said Barbara O'Malley, executive director of Marketing and Communications for the University. "There will be Edwardsville restaurants and shops with food and clothing booths at the block party to give students a taste of Edwardsville.
"In addition to activities for students, however, we'll have inflatable games and activity booths for the entire family, so that everyone can join in the fun," O'Malley said. The Block Party has grown since its inception in 2000, with some 3,000 people attending last year throughout the evening.
The event is co-sponsored by the SIUE Campus Activities Board (CAB) and SIUE Student Government, SIUE Campus Recreation, the Edwardsville-Glen Carbon Chamber of Commerce, J. F. Electric, the Edwardsville Intelligencer, SIUE Marketing and Communications, SIUE University Relations, Pepsi, Apple Computers, OfficeMax, National City Bank and TheBANK of Edwardsville.
Editor's note: The Welcome Back Block Party later was cancelled because of inclement weather. The Block Party Committee said high winds and lightening made it a matter of safety concerns. The committee said the event could not be rescheduled because it wouldn't be feasible to gather all of the elements together at a later date.
8/16/07
SIUE Group Experienced Life In Turkey For One Month
Turkey(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) With one foot in Europe and one foot in Asia, a group of a dozen Southern Illinois University Edwardsville students recently spent a month immersed in everyday life in Turkey.
Touring mosques, museums, ancient relics and local stores, visiting local marketplaces for exotic spices and goods, witnessing the electoral process and Turkey's recent presidential election firsthand, and cooking authentic cuisine, Lucian Stone, SIUE assistant professor of philosophy, said the experience was "multifaceted."
Because Turkey is positioned in both continents, the country is rich with European and Asian influences, Stone said. "We were resident scholars; not just tourists," said Stone, who accompanied the students and taught two junior-level philosophy courses in conjunction with the trip: Islam and Modernity and Islamic Aesthetics.
Stone said he assigned reading material that "the students were able to apply to their surroundings and experiences."
The group of students-majoring in such diverse areas as philosophy, history, political science, special education teaching, Spanish and engineering-focused on art and architecture, religion, literature, music, painting, food, film, dance, poetry and other aspects of culture, as well as the history and politics of the country.
Classes were taught at Yeditepe University, a private university established in southeast Istanbul in 1996, on the Asian side of the city. Students lived in dorms at the university, which acted as the host institution for the travel abroad experience, Stone said.
The experience was supported by the SIUE College of Arts and Sciences and the SIUE Center for International Programs.
Students can take part in travel abroad opportunities throughout the year. Certain requirements must be met. For more information about international programs, call the SIUE center, (618) 650-2419, or visit the Web site: www.siue.edu/studyabroad.
Click here for a photo of students visiting a spice bazaar in Istanbul. The spice bazaar was one of the central markets in Istanbul offering for sale spices, tea, coffee and Turkish delicacies and pastries.
8/16/07
SIUE And The City Of Edwardsville Welcome Back Students
(EDWARDSVILLE, ILL.) Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and area merchants are preparing to welcome back some 13,500 students attending SIUE who will begin returning to campus Aug. 17. Cougar Welcome 2007 activities begin Aug. 20, continuing through Aug. 30, including the Annual Welcome Back Block Party in downtown Edwardsville on Aug. 24. Classes begin Aug. 20.
A schedule of Cougar Welcome activities, with its theme of "Happy 50th Anniversary: Not Getting Older…Getting Better!" may be found on the official Web site: www.siue.edu/CAB/welcomeweek.htm. "This year we're expanding our welcoming opportunities so that students will have even more time to transition back to school," said Cheryl Heard, assistant director of SIUE's Kimmel Leadership Center.
"Activities are designed to greet new and returning students to SIUE and to promote an atmosphere of welcome and involvement," Heard said.
She also said a special invitation is extended to the University community to join SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift and Edwardsville Mayor Gary Niebur for a complimentary six-ounce Dairy Queen® Blizzard during the annual Merchants' Fair and Ice Cream Social at noon Wednesday, Aug. 22, in Goshen Lounge on the first floor of SIUE's Morris University Center.
"Cougar Welcome will be filled with lots of other fun and exciting events and activities such as free food, games, contests, prizes and free T-shirts," she said.
Other activities include a resource and job fair, student organization information booths, a student employment booth, a poster sale, the 15th annual showing of the Rocky Horror Picture Show, and lunchtime entertainment at the Staff Senate Ice Cream Cabaret on Friday, Aug. 24, in the Conference Center on the second floor of SIUE's Morris Center.
This week, SIUE Admissions and Academic Marketing staff went into the community to distribute "Welcome SIUE Students" signs to businesses in the Edwardsville-Glen Carbon area. "It's
such a pleasure to work with the community to welcome new and returning students to campus," said Karen Bollinger, assistant director of SIUE Academic Marketing Services.
"It must be a great feeling for SIUE students to walk or drive through the major arteries of town and find the Welcome SIUE Students signs in practically every window.
Bollinger said the Admissions office and Academic Marketing "work hard" throughout the year to meet, recruit and engage students to choose SIUE. "We try to throw out the red carpet for students to help them know SIUE and the surrounding community is their home away from home."
Cougar Welcome activities include the annual Block Party from 6 to midnight Friday, Aug. 24, in the 100 blocks of St. Louis Street and Second Street in downtown Edwardsville, adjacent to the Madison County Courthouse. The event, with its theme of "Rock The Block," will feature live music by the Smash Band, as well as food and beverages from popular Edwardsville restaurants and other organizations. More than 2,500 SIUE students and residents of the community are expected to attend.
Click here for a photo suitable for print of one of the Welcome Students signs being given to Bob Moggio, owner of Mojo's Music in downtown Edwardsville. At right is Kelley Brooks, an SIUE admissions counselor.
8/9/07
50th Anniversary Plans Under Way
Click here to view a picture taken In the Wabash Room of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's Morris University Center. Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift helped with preparations for SIUE's 50th anniversary. The chancellor is joined by students: (from far left to right) Christie Brinkmann, a junior political science major, Tristan Nesbitt, a senior majoring in English, Sophomore Kassie Eaker, a speech communication major and Levi Locke, a graduate student in the public administration program. This week, volunteers have been stuffing envelopes with 50th anniversary celebration invitations. Invitations are coming soon to a mailbox near you.
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8/8/07
SIUE Nursing Student Receives Prestigious Scholarship From AACN/AfterCollege
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) A Southern Illinois University Edwardsville nursing student with hopes of one day becoming a nurse educator is the recipient of a $2,500 scholarship from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing AfterCollege program.
The AACN awards scholarships four times annually. Jamie Rosenthal, a senior in the accelerated bachelor's of Science in nursing program, is the latest baccalaureate recipient. She said she plans to pursue a nursing career upon graduation, and then later to become a nurse educator.
"My education in the field of psychology will help me sympathize with and understand patients of all ages and backgrounds," said Rosenthal, who already holds a bachelor's in psychology.
AfterCollege-a leading employment website for nursing and allied health care students, and the AACN-a national advocacy group for bachelor's and higher-degree nursing education programs, have teamed to offer the scholarship program for students who are actively pursuing bachelor's, master's or doctoral degrees in nursing.
"Jamie is the only undergraduate nursing student in the nation to receive this scholarship in this round of awardees, and we, in the SIUE School of Nursing, are so proud of her achievement," said SIUE School of Nursing Dean Marcia Maurer. "This scholarship opportunity generated a great deal of interest and there were many strong applicants. This speaks to the quality of students we admit to our nursing program."
Scholarship applicants must write an essay highlighting their career plans and financial needs, and have at least a 3.25 grade-point average.
For more information on AACN's partnership with AfterCollege, see http://www.aacn.nche.edu/Media/NewsReleases/06AfterCollege.htm.
8/8/07
New Freshman Welcome and Convocation
MEDIA ADVISORY/PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
WHAT: New Freshman Welcome and Convocation
WHEN: ALL DAY, Saturday, Aug. 18
WHERE: SIUE Vadalabene Center
AGENDA: 8:30-10 a.m.-Alumni Breakfast, with a new freshman class photo
to be taken at 9:30 a.m.
- 10-11 a.m.-Convocation Ceremony
- 11-11:30 a.m.-Success Session at SIUE
- 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m.-Faculty Breakout Sessions
- 12:30-1:30 p.m.-Lunch, with exhibits open from noon-2:30 p.m.
- 1:30-3 p.m.-Academic Advising Presentations; Many University offices will be open
- 7-8:30 p.m.- Playfair, featuring interactive getting-to-know-you activities
8/6/07
SIU/SDM Associate Professor Gives Back To Jamaica
(ALTON, Ill.) Eight years ago the health care mission began as a way for Dwight McLeod to give back to the country in which he grew up. Today it is a community effort, orchestrated by him, which fills the associate professor and chair of the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine (SDM) with pride and hope.
Originally from Cedar Grove in the parish of West Moreland-17 miles south of Montego Bay-McLeod, who now lives in Florissant, Mo., wanted to give back to his native country. He organized a dental mission in 2000 during a summer break week that included a handful of dental students, some area professional and community volunteers, and some donated supplies.
In 2006, McLeod received the SIU Edwardsville Martin Luther King Jr. Faculty-Staff Humanitarian Award, because of his philanthropic efforts to raise money and generate volunteer support for the effort.
The philanthropic effort has grown to include more than 60 volunteers, including dentists and dental professionals, students, community members and now faculty and students from the SIUE School of Pharmacy.
In the early days of the health care mission, volunteers-including faculty, students, community health care professionals and concerned citizens-had to pay their own way on the trip, said Poonam Jain, associate professor at the SDM and the director of community dentistry. Today, students can take advantage of funding through an Excellence in Undergraduate Education grant to help pay for the trip and lodging. Non-student volunteers still must cover their own expenses.
"All the volunteers and dentists and professionals who go on the trip break out
into three teams; two teams set up at existing public health clinics and the third team sets up at Kew Park (in West Moreland), which is a school for children," Jain said. "That is where Dr. McLeod went to school." McLeod explained the ages range from preschool to 14 or 15 years old.
Jain recalls the faces of the children and adults in Kew Park; the faces of people she treated during a recent trip there to provide free dental health services. "It's wonderful to have the opportunity to help these people," Jain said, noting that she and many of the other repeat volunteers have adopted the same love for the people of the region as McLeod.
"The nearest dentist to most of these people is an hour away, and most of them don't have cars. They have nobody. They come to us and we are their dentists. We provide cleanings, fillings, (tooth) extractions, minor surgeries. We provide comprehensive dentistry."
For the past four years, Jain and the other professionals have been the only dentists. This year the group included some faculty and students from the SIUE School of Pharmacy. The pharmacists and student pharmacists dispensed medications and counseled patients on their proper use, and conducted medication assessments for patients on multiple long-term medications.
A total of 1,242 people were treated this year; up from about 879 people treated in 2006, Jain said, adding, "It gives us so much satisfaction to do this."
The groups are provided a space at each of the three locations. Services are provided on a first-come, first-serve basis. Long lines of patients wait to receive treatment from sun up to sundown.
The Montego Bay East and the Savanna La Mar Rotary clubs provide fans for cooling, since the locations do not have air conditioning. The clubs also help with other support and through advertising. McLeod works throughout the year to gain donated material such as useful diagnostic and treatment equipment.
"I have been a pharmacist for 14 years, including 12 years spent as a clinical pharmacist at Charity Hospital in New Orleans," said J. Christopher Lynch, associate professor of pharmacy practice and southern regional coordinator for the School of Pharmacy.
"This was without a doubt the most rewarding professional experience I have ever had. In a very few days, we were able to positively influence the health care of many hundreds of patients."
Lynch said during the visit, representatives from the School of Pharmacy visited the pharmacy program at the University of Technology in Kingston. "We were able to meet with faculty, administrators and students, as well as the president of the university," he said.
"We hope that this will lead to future collaborations between the two programs."
For more information about this health care mission effort, contact McLeod: (618) 474-7023: Jain, (618) 474-7129; or Lynch: (618) 650-5139.
8/3/07
Marketing Survey Shows SIUE Has Moved Ahead In Three Years
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Recent marketing survey results for SIUE indicate that in three short years, SIUE is a typical freshman's first-choice institution; known for its quality programs.
That could be one reason that SIUE has more than 7,000 freshman applications for a freshman class of about 1,850 this fall.
The survey-comparing SIUE with other universities on 10 college-choice factors of location, academic quality, reputation, quality faculty, academic experience, student life, campus environment, financial aid, good value and career preparation-ranked SIUE No. 1 in nine out of 10 categories.
"We are delighted that the word is getting out about SIUE's quality programs and services," said Barbara O'Malley, SIUE's executive director of marketing and communications. "We've known for a long time that SIUE offers incredible value, now prospective students and parents are realizing this, too."
Todd Burrell, director of admissions for SIUE, said there is still plenty of room for transfer students. "Our freshmen enrollment is over the top this year," Burrell said. "We are a hot school for freshmen, but we have room for transfer students at all levels." Transfer students may call (800) 447-SIUE to inquire about future enrollment availability.
SIUE offers the second lowest tuition in the state of Illinois, and is recognized on a national level for its quality programs. For the third consecutive year, it has moved up in US News & World Report rankings. In 2007, The Association of American Colleges & Universities ranked SIUE as one of 16 universities nationwide as an exemplary model for its senior assignment program.
Earlier this year, the University made the bold announcement that it is taking its Intercollegiate Athletics programs to NCAA Division I.
With nearly 80,000 alumni, "SIUE is a growing force," O'Malley said. "From our academic programs to our economic impact, we are making a huge footprint on the Metro East and on the state of Illinois."
When SIUE began back in 1957, only three percent of the population had college degrees. Today, more than 20 percent have college degrees.
SIUE celebrates its 50th Anniversary in 2007-08; the University has 13,500 undergraduate and graduate students and is located just 25 minutes from St. Louis. Once known as a commuter campus, SIUE will open its fourth residence hall this fall and is now considered a primarily residential university.
8/2/07
Engineering Professor Recognized By International Publication
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) SIUE Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Professor Majid Molki recently received the Omar Khayyam Award from Scientia Iranica, the international journal of science and technology. Molki received the prestigious award for his "valuable services and many endeavors" to promote the journal and to "enhance its credibility worldwide."
The recognition will be featured soon on the journal's Web site: www.scientiairanica.ir. Molki often provides editorial assistance to the journal and will soon have a paper published in the journal.
Molki, who is head of the graduate program for the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, earned a BS in mechanical engineering in 1975 at Sharif University of Technology, an MS in mechanical engineering at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1979 and a doctorate in mechanical engineering at the University of Minnesota in 1982.
Joining the SIUE School of Engineering faculty in 2000, Molki spent more than 21 years teaching and researching in thermal-fluid sciences at several universities. Before coming to SIUE, he performed extensive research in boiling and condensation of refrigerants, CO 2 heat transfer in microchannels and control of frost by electric fields while at the University of Maryland, College.
His current research is in flow boiling of refrigerants in plate evaporators with application to automotive air-conditioning. Dr. Molki is performing and overseeing research conducted in the closed-circuit wind tunnel. He is also involved in extensive computational modeling of fluid flow and heat transfer using FLUENT.
8/1/07
Social Work Chair Named Asst. Provost For Faculty Development And Diversity
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Venessa A. Brown, professor and chair of the Department of Social Work at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, has been named Assistant Provost for Faculty Development and Diversity, it was announced recently by SIUE Provost Paul Ferguson.
This position has been redesigned from the previous role of Rudy Wilson, assistant provost for Cultural and Social Diversity, who retired April 1 after serving the University for nearly 40 years. In this new role, Brown will work with the Provost to create more extensive programs supporting faculty development in addition to promoting a diverse faculty.
Joining the Social Work faculty as assistant professor in 1995, Brown has contributed extensive service to the campus during the past 12 years in such roles as MSW Admissions Director, MSW Program Director, and department chair in addition to roles on the Faculty Senate, Graduate Council and the College of Arts and Sciences Planning and Budget Committees.
Brown's scholarly focus concerns child welfare practice and she serves on several editorial boards including the Illinois Child Welfare Journal, the Caribbean Educational Journal, and Black Women, Gender and Families. Under her leadership, the Department of Social Work's Master's Program recently was reaccredited for a maximum eight-year term.
Throughout her career, Brown has participated in numerous regional, national and international organizations to promote social and cultural diversity such as the Association of Caribbean Social Work Educators, Hispanic Leaders Group of Greater St. Louis, Black Administrators in Child Welfare, the Human Relations Board for the Bureau of Federal Prisons and the National Christian Multicultural Student Leaders Conference Board of Directors for which she serves as president.
She has traveled to the Caribbean, South Africa, Central America and Europe to examine child welfare issues, study language and participate in student abroad programs.
Brown earned a doctorate in Social Work, Planning, Administration and Social Science at Clark-Atlanta University in 1994, a master of Social Work at Atlanta University in 1985 and a BA in Social Work at Greenville College in 1983. During this time, Brown also obtained considerable professional practice experience in social services and health care.
Brown was selected following an internal search chaired by Anne Perry, a professor of Nursing.
8/1/07
Construction Researchers Awarded Grant To Study 3D Lasers
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Three researchers in the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Department of Construction have been awarded a $150,000 grant to study the use of 3-D laser scanning technology in construction applications.
Part of the SIUE School of Engineering, the department recently was notified of the grant, which comes from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) through its Illinois Center for Transportation at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. The two-year project will identify cost-effective means for IDOT to implement state-of-the-art laser scanning technology in highway construction projects.
The research project will be headed by Construction Department Chair Dianne Kay Slattery, with Assistant Professor Kerry Slattery and Assistant Professor Chris Gordon as co-principals as co-principal investigators who will perform the experimental design, field work, data analysis and software development, Slattery said
Laser scanning is a relatively new addition to traditional land surveying technology, allowing a user to quickly produce a 3-D representation of objects and surfaces by accumulating data on the X, Y, and Z coordinates of millions of points in the vicinity of the laser scanner, she explained.
"One goal of the project is to evaluate the feasibility of using laser scanning to survey 'before' and 'after' terrain surfaces and compute the volume of the difference in order to determine the basis of payment for earthwork contractors."
The technology promises to improve the speed and accuracy of traditional quantity measurement methods employed on earth-moving projects, Slattery said. "The research team will develop software to import terrain models from familiar, industry-standard software programs into a program to plan where to take scans, and to compute the total volume of earth moved during the project."
The Department of Construction purchased a laser scanner in January, using funds donated by the Southern Illinois Construction Advancement Program (SICAP), construction companies and individuals. The scanner had been used as a demonstration model by St. Louis-based Seiler Instrument Co.
"The purchase, the largest single expenditure ever made by the department, reflects a conscious move toward the more computer-savvy construction industry of the 21st century," Slattery said.
"The laser scanning equipment has been incorporated into several undergraduate courses, continuing education short courses for industry and faculty research, and was demonstrated to high school students attending summer engineering programs."
8/1/07
SIUE Commencement Set For Aug. 4 At The Vadalabene Center
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) More than 550 students are expected to graduate from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville during summer commencement ceremonies at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 4, in SIUE's Vadalabene Center.
Some 558 eligible graduate candidates from the College of Arts and Sciences, as well as the Schools of Business, Education, Engineering and Nursing will receive diplomas.
Keith Alper, CEO, co-founder of and executive producer at Creative Producers Group Inc. (CPG) and a 1984 graduate of SIUE, will receive the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the SIUE Alumni Association during the ceremony. Alper, who earned a bachelor of science in Mass Communications, has chaired that department's advisory board and has served on the SIUE School of Business Advisory Board. CPG also helped SIUE with a new branding launch in 2005.
Alper is founding chairman of the St. Louis chapter of the Young Entrepreneurs' Organization (YEO) and became YEO's international chairman in 1998. He served as chapter chairman for the St. Louis Young Presidents Organization and now acts as YPO's Strategic Planning chairman. Alper also devotes time to local business groups and non-profit organizations, serving on the boards of Enterprise Financial Clayton Bank, St. Louis County Enterprise Centers, KWMU-FM, the St. Louis International Film Festival, and Korte Construction Co. He also has served as president and chair of the Saint Louis Advertising and Marketing Association.
Also sponsored by the Alumni Association, Barbara Regnell, professor emerita of mass communications, will be honored with the Great Teacher Award. SIUE alumni nominate candidates for the award by mail or through the association's Web site ( www.siue.edu/alumni) and then the association's Activities Awards Committee chooses from among the nominations.
Regnell retired from SIUE in 1997 after a 30-year career in education. She earned a bachelor of science in speech, with an emphasis in radio and television, at Syracuse University in 1957. A year later, Regnell married a military man whose career took the family to several posts before she was able to earn a master's in speech education in 1966. Regnell then spent a year teaching high school in Syracuse before joining the faculty at SIUE.
During the 1974-75 academic year, Regnell became a visiting professor at the University of Maryland's branch in Teheran, Iran. While there, she also served as professor at the National Institute of Television and Cinematography and also as a master program consultant for National Iranian Radio and Television. Returning to SIUE in 1975 as an assistant professor, Regnell became an associate professor of mass communications in 1980 and seven years later was named chair of that department, a post she held until her retirement.
8/1/07
Sisters Obtaining Sisterhood Program Will Serve High School Girls Through The East St. Louis Center
(EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill.) High school females will become more self-confident, develop strong interpersonal skills and increase self love through a new program developed and offered by the SIUE East St. Louis Center TRIO Program, Educational Talent Search.
Sisters Obtaining Sisterhood is the new program and brainchild of Tasha Williams, Educational Talent Search program coordinator. Williams had noticed that many female students in the TRIO Program seemed to be emotionally restless. "Several young ladies came to me and said they wanted an outlet to express themselves," said Williams. She believed in the need so much that she began the program without a budget in 2005.
Later, SIUE's Meridian Society gave the TRIO Program a grant to fund Sisters Obtaining Sisterhood. The Meridian Society is an organization of women in philanthropy dedicated to supporting a variety of SIUE programs.
Now in its second year of operation, Williams recruited Catrice Woods and Kristopher Fields, Upward Bound counselors, to serve as Sisters Obtaining Sisterhood program advisors. Together, they are committed to providing a wholesome think tank setting that engages intelligent dialogue, constructive criticism and inner conflict solutions. "The atmosphere is centered on learning about consequences, choices and responsibilities," Fields said.
In addition, the program puts emphasis on addressing symptoms of peer and societal pressures. "Everything around them focuses on dating," Woods said. "Everyone at school is dating; the kids on TV are dating, and their parent is dating. They are surrounded by pressures to have a boyfriend." After identifying these concerns, the staff addresses the pressures and consequences, and places importance on sexual responsibilities.
"Overall," Fields concluded, "the desired outcome is to help young women become strong women."
July 2007
· SIUE Commencement Set For Aug. 4 At The Vadalabene Center
·Sisters Obtaining Sisterhood Program Will Serve High School Girls Through The ESL Center
SIUE School of Pharmacy's Candidate Status Reaffirmed
·IDFPR Approves SIUE Courses To Meet Licensure Requirement In Land Surveying
·SIUE Team Takes First In International Robotics Competition
·Student Casts East St. Louis in Good Light
·Dance Student Travels to Canada
·SIUE Head Start Mom Wins Parent of the Year
·SIUE Professor Continues The Work Of Her Father
·July Employee Of The Month
· BOT Approves Dining Services Purchase, Revises Renovation Budget
· School Violence Discussed During SIUE Classroom Roundtable
·Photo Of Staff Senate Scholarship Winner
·Junior and senior high students learn fiber arts techniques during SummerArts 2007 workshop
·BIOMET 3i Awards $250K To SIU School of Dental Medicine Program
·Emerita Professor Honored By Alumni As Great Teacher For 2007
·National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center Fuels Growth with Siemens
· Disney's High School Musical Sure To Entertain Summer ShowBiz Style
·TheBANK Of Edwardsville To Open Banking Center At SIUE
7/30/07
SIUE Commencement Set For Aug. 4 At The Vadalabene Center
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) More than 550 students are expected to graduate from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville during summer commencement ceremonies at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 4, in SIUE's Vadalabene Center.
Some 558 eligible graduate candidates from the College of Arts and Sciences, as well as the Schools of Business, Education, Engineering and Nursing will receive diplomas.
Keith Alper, CEO, co-founder of and executive producer at Creative Producers Group Inc. (CPG) and a 1984 graduate of SIUE, will receive the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the SIUE Alumni Association during the ceremony. Alper, who earned a bachelor of science in Mass Communications, has chaired that department's advisory board and has served on the SIUE School of Business Advisory Board. CPG also helped SIUE with a new branding launch in 2005.
Alper is founding chairman of the St. Louis chapter of the Young Entrepreneurs' Organization (YEO) and became YEO's international chairman in 1998. He served as chapter chairman for the St. Louis Young Presidents Organization and now acts as YPO's Strategic Planning chairman. Alper also devotes time to local business groups and non-profit organizations, serving on the boards of Enterprise Financial Clayton Bank, St. Louis County Enterprise Centers, KWMU-FM, the St. Louis International Film Festival, and Korte Construction Co. He also has served as president and chair of the Saint Louis Advertising and Marketing Association.
Also sponsored by the Alumni Association, Barbara Regnell, professor emerita of mass communications, will be honored with the Great Teacher Award. SIUE alumni nominate candidates for the award by mail or through the association's Web site ( www.siue.edu/alumni) and then the association's Activities Awards Committee chooses from among the nominations.
Regnell retired from SIUE in 1997 after a 30-year career in education. She earned a bachelor of science in speech, with an emphasis in radio and television, at Syracuse University in 1957. A year later, Regnell married a military man whose career took the family to several posts before she was able to earn a master's in speech education in 1966. Regnell then spent a year teaching high school in Syracuse before joining the faculty at SIUE.
During the 1974-75 academic year, Regnell became a visiting professor at the University of Maryland's branch in Teheran, Iran. While there, she also served as professor at the National Institute of Television and Cinematography and also as a master program consultant for National Iranian Radio and Television. Returning to SIUE in 1975 as an assistant professor, Regnell became an associate professor of mass communications in 1980 and seven years later was named chair of that department, a post she held until her retirement.
7/30/07
Sisters Obtaining Sisterhood Program Will Serve High School Girls Through The East St. Louis Center
(EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill.) High school females will become more self-confident, develop strong interpersonal skills and increase self love through a new program developed and offered by the SIUE East St. Louis Center TRIO Program, Educational Talent Search.
Sisters Obtaining Sisterhood is the new program and brainchild of Tasha Williams, Educational Talent Search program coordinator. Williams had noticed that many female students in the TRIO Program seemed to be emotionally restless. "Several young ladies came to me and said they wanted an outlet to express themselves," said Williams. She believed in the need so much that she began the program without a budget in 2005.
Later, SIUE's Meridian Society gave the TRIO Program a grant to fund Sisters Obtaining Sisterhood. The Meridian Society is an organization of women in philanthropy dedicated to supporting a variety of SIUE programs.
Now in its second year of operation, Williams recruited Catrice Woods and Kristopher Fields, Upward Bound counselors, to serve as Sisters Obtaining Sisterhood program advisors. Together, they are committed to providing a wholesome think tank setting that engages intelligent dialogue, constructive criticism and inner conflict solutions. "The atmosphere is centered on learning about consequences, choices and responsibilities," Fields said.
In addition, the program puts emphasis on addressing symptoms of peer and societal pressures. "Everything around them focuses on dating," Woods said. "Everyone at school is dating; the kids on TV are dating, and their parent is dating. They are surrounded by pressures to have a boyfriend." After identifying these concerns, the staff addresses the pressures and consequences, and places importance on sexual responsibilities.
"Overall," Fields concluded, "the desired outcome is to help young women become strong women."
7/23/07
SIUE School of Pharmacy's Candidate Status Reaffirmed
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy reached another milestone this month on its journey to accreditation status, with the affirmation of candidate accreditation status for the Doctor of Pharmacy program.
The SIUE School of Pharmacy achieved "candidate status" in 2006. The latest announcement marks another great achievement in the school's young history.
"The reaffirmation of candidate status from the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) demonstrates the continued confidence of the organization in our planning and program implementation" said SIUE School of Pharmacy Dean Philip Medon.
The final part of the process happens when the ACPE considers the school for full accreditation, Medon said, adding: "That occurs when the program is found to have met all ACPE standards for accreditation and has graduated its first class."
Jeffrey W. Wadelin, Ph.D. and director of the ACPE's professional degree program stated in a letter to the school: "Your progress towards compliance with the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) standards is in accordance with expectations for a developing program."
Wadelin and the ACPE Board of Directors noted the ongoing efforts to improve and expand the program in collaboration with the University and other partners and stakeholders.
The SIUE School of Pharmacy, located in University Park, values excellence in teaching, pharmacy practice, research-scholarship and service. The program of study is based on current knowledge and technology from pharmacy and other disciplines, and is delivered through a variety of innovative teaching strategies.
There are currently 162 students enrolled in the pharmacy program, with an additional class of 82 joining the student body in August. The inaugural class will graduate in May, 2009.
7/23/07
IDFPR Approves SIUE Courses To Meet Licensure Requirement In Land Surveying
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) has approved Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Engineering's request to offer a suite of courses that will meet requirements for licensure in land surveying.
Dianne Slattery, an associate professor of construction and chair of that department, gained the state approvals through a review process that included creation of an advisory board. "The board is made up of local professional land surveyors and we worked for nearly two years to craft a curriculum that would meet the licensing requirements of the state of Illinois without sacrificing the essential elements of the construction management degree," Slattery said.
The construction program, which blends a basic math and science core with engineering and management principles began offering classes in 1979. "Traditionally, land surveying has been closely allied with civil engineering," Slattery said. "However, SIUE Construction students get a minor in business administration, which provides a strong background in the fundamentals of running a business, an essential skill that most land surveyors need and engineering programs do not provide.
"The Construction program tends to attract students who like outdoor work, also an essential element for land surveyors. In practice as well, many larger contractors are bringing land surveying services 'in-house' to capitalize on the surveyors' knowledge throughout the construction process rather than hiring outside firms to do construction staking and layout." Slattery explained the land surveying profession has undergone significant changes over the past two decades, embracing advanced technologies such as the use of computers in gathering, analyzing, plotting and manipulating data, as well as global positioning satellite systems for locating the X, Y and Z coordinates of points on the Earth.
"Land surveying education has changed as well, moving away from traditional apprenticeship-like, experienced-based training to a requirement for a four-year college degree," she said. "Licensure as a professional land surveyor is a two-step process that still contains a significant experience component in addition to formal education.
"In Illinois, applicants to become a Surveyor-in-Training (SIT) must possess a baccalaureate in land surveying or a related science, with at least 24 semester hours of land surveying courses," she said. "After passing the SIT exam, applicants must complete four years of qualifying work experience under the direction of a licensed professional land surveyor to be eligible to sit for the examination to become a professional land surveyor (PLS)."
The SIUE Construction program has been determined to qualify as a "related science," and students opting for the land surveying specialization must take an additional eight hours of coursework over and above the requirements for a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management, in order to obtain the required 24 semester hours of surveying courses, Slattery pointed out.
According to Slattery, the surveying coursework includes topics in construction surveying, legal aspects of land surveying, boundary surveys, land development, survey computations and applications, and advanced survey systems. In addition, courses in remote sensing, computer mapping and geographic information systems are available from the SIUE Department of Geography, she said.
"The market for this specialization seems strong," Slattery said. "The requirement for a land surveying degree in Illinois is relatively recent (1998), and there are only 20 programs in the United States that offer baccalaureates in land surveying, sometimes named surveying engineering or geomatics."
The Department of Construction is offering three courses in land surveying each semester, Slattery said, using a combination of full time faculty and highly qualified adjunct faculty from the local surveying community. Candidates who already possess a bachelor's may be admitted to SIUE as visiting students to take the land surveying courses.
For more information, call the SIUE Department of Construction, (618) 650-2088, or visit: www.siue.edu/ENGINEER/CONSTRUCT.
7/23/07
SIUE Team Takes First In International Robotics Competition
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville robotics team- Fishtank Assassin-took first place recently at the International Beyond Botball competition in Honolulu, Hawai'i.
Fishtank Assassin members include Ross Mead, a senior majoring in computer science at SIUE; Jeff Croxell, an SIUE graduate student in Electrical and Computer Engineering; and Jerry Weinberg, an associate professor of Computer Science at the University. "The final match was a repeat of last year's final match-up," Weinberg said. "Once again our team found itself going undefeated into the finals of the double elimination contest against the team of Lockheed Martin engineers, called the Return of Pins and Needles. Last year, we took second place after losing two out of three rounds in the final to the same team of engineers."
Weinberg said the competition attracts robot hobbyists, college teams, and professional engineers, who build and program autonomous robots to bring plants and a spaceship crew to a safe location in the face of a pending "warp core reactor explosion."
"During the competition, each member of the crew, represented by the mascot of the Botball competition, Botguy, had to be transported to a safe zone and the door to the zone had to be closed, while the plants, represented by large green foam balls, had to be transported to a solarium," Weinberg explained. "When the reactor goes off, additional points can be made by containing the radioactive particles, represented by small pompons. Fishtank Assassin developed two mobile robots that coordinated their activity to collect the Botguys, close the safe zone door, and then find as many plants as possible to place in the solarium."
Weinberg said the Fishtank Assassin entry was two mobile robots-named Who and What-that used every possible sensor input available to them. It included 11 distance sensors to help itthem navigate to specific locations in the arena, one light sensor for starting, a color camera to track crew members and plants, and a radio module so the two robots could communicate to coordinate their activities.
"The strategy of the Return of Pins and Needles team relied on its robot's speed to get to all of the game pieces before their opponent could reach them; the game elements were always retrieved in the same order," Weinberg said. " Fishtank Assassin's strategy was to program modular behaviors that could be put in different orders. The order game pieces were retrieved was changed to best match up the strategy of their opponent."
To take points away from their opponents, Weinberg pointed out, Who and What's first usual move was to navigate near the opponent's side of the board and reach over to pick-up their plants and then place them in the solarium. "In a critical defensive move, one of the robots, What, was programmed to hold its out-reached arm over the other game pieces on its side of the board, preventing the opponent's large arm robot from getting to them," Weinberg explained.
"In the meantime, our other robot, Who, managed to score most of the game pieces on its side of the board. It was a close match, both sides scoring the same number of crew members and plants. The difference came down to the number of 'nuclear particles' left in the reactor.
"The Fishtank Assassin robots attempted to set off the reactor early in the round to hopefully distribute the particles evenly, but were unsuccessful. The Return of Pins and Needles robot attempted to deflect the particles toward its opponent's side; however, some of the particles were deflected back into the reactor. This made the difference in the score, leaving more of particles contained on Fishtank Assassin's side."
In March, the SIUE team will next enter a new robot challenge that is an autonomous vehicle competition, in which the team will convert an electric golf cart into a self-guided, self-driving robotic vehicle that will navigate the campus pathways.
Click here for photo of What
7/20/07
Student Casts East St. Louis in Good Light
(EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill.) "There's more to East St. Louis than violence" said LaRon Epps, East St. Louis Carter School student. The sophomore has been selected to participate in a documentary project commissioned by the Illinois State Board of Education. "The project is basically about showing the inequalities in the schools in Illinois and there are inequalities, but it shouldn't be that way," said Epps of East St. Louis.
The project is spearheaded by Joe Fatheree, Effingham High School technology instructor, who recently was named Illinois Teacher of the Year. Fatheree selected five high school students from around the state to document the caliber of educational resources that each student receives from their respective school districts. Epps will be the lone male filmmaker in the project.
An objective that guides the film is that Fatheree believes resources should not be centered on ZIPcodes. "Every child should have a good education. Opportunities should not be based on what ZIPcode you are born in," said Fatheree. Growing up in an impoverished community, Fatheree understands the plight many students face living in economically challenged school districts. "I know what it's like to have a lack of exposure, and I know what it's like to have lack of opportunities," said Fatheree. He hopes the film also will inspire youth to take charge of their education and their lives.
Fatheree noticed Epps' storytelling abilities through his photography work for another program, No Barriers Project, which was Fatheree's idea. The Illinois educator wanted to help youth get a closer look at poverty, and he gave Epps his camera to take pictures of life at a homeless shelter. "I noticed Ron had a natural eye for taking photographs, and I thought he would be good for film," said Fatheree.
In the film, Epps plans to capture an alternative view of East St. Louis. "It makes me feel sad that people look at East St. Louis so negatively. I'm glad I will get the chance to prove the stereotype wrong," said Epps.
In the upcoming months, Epps will interview fellow Charter School students, school administrators, community people and possibly local elected officials. Epps will work closely with his advisor, Willis Young, East St. Louis Charter School lead associate/teacher/computer education teacher.
Both Epps and Young are excited about the potential of the project and its impact on East St. Louis. The goal is to assist the Illinois Board of Education in improving the school district's image in Illinois and expose the positive educational factors in the East St. Louis Charter School at the SIUE East St. Louis Center.
The SIUE East St. Louis Charter School is a "School of Choice" for families in the East St. Louis School District. In addition to transfer students, the school provides a second chance at education and training for individuals who have dropped out of East St. Louis public schools. The East St. Louis Center for the Performing Arts collaborates in implementing the SIUE East St. Louis Charter School curriculum. The two programs work together to provide students with a well-rounded curriculum in the Arts.
7/20/07
Dance Student Travels to Canada
(EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill.) "I always believed that if you set out to be successful, then you already were." These words from the late, world-renowned matriarch of black dance, Katherine Dunham, best describe Venezia Manuel's recent dance venture. Manuel is a student in the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Center's Performing Arts program.
Manuel traveled recently with the Performing Arts staff to the International Association of Blacks in Dance Conference at Toronto, Canada. The four-day conference offered master dance classes with internationally acclaimed instructors. The workshop also included panel discussions, multi-company auditions, and dance seminars. Workshop and performances ranged from hip-hop and contemporary modern to ballet. The conference renewed Manuel's commitment to continue to do her best in dance. "I see this as a direction I want to go in the future," said Manuel.
Manuel was most elated to become acquainted with contemporary modern dance and musical theater. "I really liked contemporary modern dance, because you really have to put feeling into it," said Manuel. "I also liked musical theater. It was fun and a lot like acting."
Though the trip to the conference was the first for Venezia, she didn't let it intimidate her. "It was a great experience; I got a chance to learn different dances that I did not know," she said. More importantly, Manuel noted the life lessons that benefited her the most. "I learned to stick to what you believe," she said. "Never give up on what you want to do, and hard work will lead to success."
Venis Manuel, Venezia's mother, accompanied her daughter to the conference. "It was a very valuable opportunity," Mrs. Manuel said. "You get the chance to learn discipline, structure and the performing arts world."
The SIUE East St. Louis Center for the Performing Arts, founded by Dunham herself, offers workshops and training classes in dance and allows participants to perform before an audience. The staff is comprised of professional dancers and actors.
7/20/07
SIUE Head Start Mom Wins Parent of the Year
(EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill.) Strength, drive and independence describe Anita Perkins, a young mother who has withstood many afflictions in life. Perkins, a parent volunteer at the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Head Start Discovery Center for Little Scholars, has been recognized for her courage and fortitude by the Illinois Head Start Association as the "2007 Parent of the Year."
"I was honored and happy when I found out that I won," said Perkins. "It gave me a lot of self-confidence to know that the sacrifices of my hard work came to light."
The award Perkins received is part of a series of recognition honors and scholarship awards available yearly to Head Start and Early Head Start parents through the National and Illinois Head Start Association. Renata Muhammad, center coordinator for the Discovery Center at the SIUE East St. Louis Center, personally encouraged Perkins to pursue the application process. "She came in my office one day with the application in hand and I told her to go for it. We are proud of her achievements," said Muhammad. "The Discovery Center for Little Scholars staff was so proud of Perkins, and SIUE Head Start/Early Head Start honored her as a Success Family during its recent 24th Annual Parent Recognition Ceremony."
Criteria for selection includes submission of the contestant's personal essay, as well as documented parental involvement in the classroom and staff recommendations. The honor also came with a $1,000 scholarship. Also noteworthy, Perkins' essay application placed second at the National Head Start Association level.
Perkins' story of triumph began at age 16, when she became a mother while coping with her parents' divorce after 25 years of marriage. The family transition led Perkins to become a "second mom" to her two older and two younger siblings. When the pressure became too heavy, Perkins' mother and younger siblings moved away from the area but she stayed behind. During the next school year, Perkins' gave birth to a second child and her Centreville family home burned down. Despite these adversities, Perkins graduated on time from Cahokia High School in 1997.
In 2002, prior to entering Kaskaskia Community College, Perkins had another child. After she began her nursing program, Perkins endured the violent death of an older brother. Even though problems plagued Perkins' life, she never let it diminish her dreams. At the age of eight, Perkins wanted to be a nurse because she liked, "fixing people." In 2003, Perkins enrolled in the Kaskaskia Community College in its License Practical Nursing program and in 2005 the Chamberlain School of Nursing in its Registered Nursing Program.
While Perkins attempted to balance school, work and coping with tragedy, she found time beginning in 2005 to volunteer at her youngest daughter's Head Start class. Her daughter is Jeoria Gilliam. "Children are young for a short time, I made sure to be involved in their lives," said Perkins, who volunteers at least twice a week.
Her passionate involvement doesn't go unnoticed. "Ms. Perkins has such a pleasant and positive attitude. The entire class enjoys her presence, "said Barbara Watts, Head Start teacher. "She does not just focus on her daughter. She is committed to both her daughter's and the other children's learning."
Perkins also remained committed to her own education. She became an RN in 2006 through the Chamberlain School of Nursing. "I never lost sight of my goal of being a nurse. My determination paid off, and it was worth it," said Perkins.
The SIUE Head Start Program administers both the Early Head Start and the Head Start federal grants in St. Clair County. Early Head Start and Head Start provides children of low-income families with comprehensive services to meet their social, mental, emotional and health needs. Early Head Start works with children ages six weeks to three years of age. Head Start works with children ages three to five.
Photo 1: Anita Perkins and her 4-year-old daughter, Jeoria Gilliam, listen to instructions from their SIUE Head Start teacher. (SIUE Photo by Amber Suggs)
Photo 2: Patrice Hagerman, teacher's assistant at the Discovery Center for Little Scholars, speaks with 4-year-old Jeoria Gilliam and her mom, Anita Perkins, 2007 Parent of the Year. (SIUE Photo by Amber Suggs)
Photo 3: Four-year-old Jeoria Gilliams, enjoy a smile with her mother, Anita Perkins, 2007 (SIUE Photo by Amber Suggs)
7/19/07
SIUE Professor Continues The Work Of Her Father
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) With fierce loyalty to her late father, SIU Edwardsville Psychology Professor Eva Dreikurs Ferguson continues to further the teachings of Rudolf Dreikurs, and his mentor, Alfred Adler, at the International Committee of Adlerian Summer Schools and Institutes (ICASSI) conducted by Dr. Ferguson this month in Elspeet, the Netherlands.
Bryce Sullivan, a clinical psychologist and chair of the SIUE Department of Psychology, said Ferguson is considered an internationally renowned scholar in the field of Adlerian Psychology and has devoted much of her career to carrying out the work started by her father. "Dreikurs himself had a vision and a psychological perspective that would bring the ideals of democracy and equality to a world that was reeling from the effects of Nazi Germany and World War II," Sullivan explained.
"The work begun by Adler before his death in 1937 was developed, refined and disseminated by Dreikurs throughout his career."
Each summer, ICASSI trains professionals and families as part of a larger effort to spread the philosophy, principles, and methods of Alfred Adler, its psychological namesake. "The principles of democracy and equality held by my father and Dr. Adler became an intellectual movement feared by dictators and despots throughout the world," Ferguson said. "My father was a younger colleague of Adler in Vienna and, after moving to America, my father became known internationally for his work in psychiatry, child-rearing and classroom management."
Dreikurs began ICASSI in 1962 primarily to promote the ideals of Adler-an effort to which he dedicated his life. Dreikurs' home was in Chicago, but he spent summers lecturing at SIUE in the 1960s and began an Adlerian/Dreikurs connection with the intellectual community of the University.
According to Sullivan, Dr. Ferguson, now a senior faculty member in the Department of Psychology-part of the SIUE School of Education-continues to carry the torch ignited by Adler and nurtured by her father. "In 1945 the world was dealing with the aftermath of World War II's autocratic and tyrannical regimes," Ferguson said, "yet today's dictators around the world continue to limit people's freedom, equality, and their opportunity to learn.
"My father envisioned a world where Adlerian Psychology would do more than foster the well-being of children and families; he sought to bring Adler's principles and methods to schools, organizations, and international relations. The ICASSI summer school was created as an international forum for this work. Its aim is to train people around the globe and to focus on the prevention of psychological and human relations problems rather than on treating problems after they exist."
In 1973, Dr. Ferguson became involved in the organization her father founded. In the past 34 years, she has seen ICASSI impact students, psychologists, and communities throughout the world. In recent years, summer programs were held in Ireland, Malta, and Lithuania. "Important inroads have been made in these countries," Ferguson said. She related how school systems have implemented Adlerian principles, and through the professionals who are trained at the summer school, "parent and marriage education has changed dramatically in many countries, including Ireland."
Ferguson said the ICASSI courses attract from between 200 and 350 participants from around the world each year. The sessions, translated in both German and English, are designed to foster improved international relations, she pointed out, but sometimes they are in the middle of severe international conflicts.
Ferguson said the fear of some authoritarian states about ICASSI may be only due to "closed-mindedness about democratic ideals, but it has led to some scholars being unable to attend the summer school this year," she said. "It has become a situation that limits the free exchange of ideas, and this greatly concerns me."
For more information on ICASSI, visit the Web site: www.icassi.net. For more information about Eva Dreikurs Ferguson see: www.siue.edu/~efergus. For more information about the SIUE Department of Psychology, see www.siue.edu/education/psychology.
Click here for a photo of Dr. Ferguson.
7/17/07
July Employee Of The Month
Click here for photo
Congratulations: Barbara Randle, the secretary in the Department of Mass Communications, is recipient of the July Employee Recognition Award. Randle (second from left in photo) is shown here flanked by Kenneth Neher (at left), vice chancellor for Administration who is presenting the award, and Zixue Tai, assistant professor in the department, who nominated Randle for the distinction. At far right is Patrick Murphy, chair of the department who also nominated Randle. In addition to the plaque she received, Randle was awarded a $25 gift certificate to the SIUE Bookstore, a parking spot close to her office for one month, and two complimentary lunch coupons to the University Restaurant. (SIUE Photo by Denise Macdonald)
7/12/07
BOT Approves Dining Services Purchase, Revises Renovation Budget
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees today approved annual purchases of some $2 million in food products, paper products and non-food items as part of a 10-year contract between SIU Edwardsville Dining Services and U.S. Food Service.
The Board also approved revising the project budget and re-bidding for the proposed expansion of the dispensing and sterilization unit at the SIU School of Dental Medicine's Main Clinic.
The board voted on the matters at its regular meeting conducted in Springfield on the campus of the SIU School of Medicine.
Under the proposed contractual agreement with U.S. Food-consisting of a multi-school contract through the Illinois Public Higher Education Cooperative-SIUE Dining Services will purchase food and non-food items for preparation and service. Estimates are that the new contract will offer purchase power that will mean savings for the participating schools.
In addition, the Board approved an increase in the SDM's Main Clinic expansion project budget from $900,000 to $1.25 million to cover inflationary costs and the revised engineer's estimate.
Construction bids were opened in March and found to be higher than originally estimated. It was determined that the project should be re-bid in fall during a "less busy" construction season. Bid specifications also will be revised to give more detailed information so that bidders will be able to fine tune their project estimates.
The SDM Main Clinic was expanded in 2006, which has produced the desired result of an increased number of patient visits; therefore, the size of the clinic's dispensing and sterilization facility needs renovation and expansion to efficiently meet student, patient and faculty needs. The project will be funded through donations, local operation funds and equipment use fees.
7/10/07
MEDIA ADVISORY/PHOTO-TV OPPORTUNITY
School Violence Discussed During SIUE Classroom Roundtable
WHO: Area teachers taking summer course, Curriculum and Instruction 556: Classroom Management, through the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Education.
WHAT: A roundtable discussion about response to school violence between students of the class and area police chiefs/law enforcement officials.
WHEN & WHERE: 8:15-11 a.m. Thursday, July 12, Founders Hall, room 0111.
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) School shootings, bomb threats, assault and battery-these are issues that teachers in today's classrooms might face.
The school massacre in Columbine, Colo. and the spring shootings at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University make such issues a potential reality for Small Town, U.S.A.
A discussion on classroom violence and response plans will allow area teachers to ask tough questions about the prospect of classroom violence, and get answers from top area professionals in the law enforcement community. Chiefs and officials will come to the classroom from the SIUE, Edwardsville, Collinsville, Maryville, Glen Carbon, East St. Louis and Cahokia police departments.
7/5/07
Click Here For Photo Of Staff Senate Scholarship Winner
Scholar: Kayrilynn Legate of Elsah, holding the certificate at left and a freshman at SIUE who plans to study nursing, is recipient of the 2007 Summer Staff Senate Scholarship. She is shown in the photo (from left) with Melanie Schoenborn, a member of the Staff Senate's award committee; Bob Legate, Kayrilynn's father and associate director of Housing for the University; Jeri Legate, Kayrilynn's mother; Kayli Legate, Kayrilynn's sister; Staff Senate President Kyle Stunkel, holding the other side of the certificate; SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift; and Jesse Harris, a counselor in the Office of Counseling and Advising and also Staff Senate treasurer. The scholarship is awarded annually to an SIUE staff member's child or grandchild eligible under the scholarship's academic guidelines. (SIUE Photo by Denise Macdonald)
7/4/07
Junior and senior high students learn fiber arts techniques during SummerArts 2007 workshop
Junior and senior high school students were taught some exotic techniques in fiber arts during a recent SummerArts 2007 Fiber Workshop. Participants focused on indigo vat dyeing, mask making, weaving, hand and machine sewing, felting, and papermaking from plants, some of which are usually only taught at the college level. The students also were encouraged to explore other fiber techniques in which they were interested, according to Wanda Pitra, coordinator of the SummerArts art workshops for the SIUE Department of Art and Design. "This workshop was very exciting for the students," she said. In Photo 1, Cassie Douglas, of Edwardsville, is shown beginning the felt-making process. In Photo 3, Sierra North, of Glen Carbon, learns how to use the indigo vat. (SIUE Photos by Denise Macdonald)
7/4/07
BIOMET 3i Awards $250K To SIU School of Dental Medicine Program
(ALTON, Ill.) A $250,000 gift over the next five years from a company that offers one of implant dentistry's most comprehensive lines of implants and abutments will allow the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine to enhance its postdoctoral implant program and expand its teaching curriculum for its predoctoral students.
Headquartered in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., with operations throughout the world, BIOMET 3i is one of the leading companies in the oral reconstruction market. BIOMET 3i's products are used at dental practices and dental implant clinics, including the SIU Dental Implant Clinic, located in SIUE's University Park.
"The grant from BIOMET 3i will help us reach our educational goal of bringing clinical experience in implant dentistry to our predoctoral dental students," said School of Dental Medicine Dean Ann Boyle. "The commitment made by BIOMET 3i will provide the springboard necessary to advance this program.
"Truly, this gift represents an exciting venture and a promising partnership."
BIOMET 3i also has promised in-kind support of instruments, equipment and education worth an estimated $250,000, and offering to possibly collaborate on research projects in the field of implant dentistry.
For more than 10 years, the School of Dental Medicine has provided postdoctoral implant training at its Edwardsville implant clinic. The money will allow the school to continue providing the training and enhance its educational offerings. Further, the support will allow the dental school to expand some components of the training to its predoctoral students.
"The support from BIOMET 3i will have a tremendous, positive impact on clinical implant education at the school," Boyle said.
7/2/07
Emerita Professor Honored By Alumni As Great Teacher For 2007
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Barbara Regnell, professor emerita of mass communications at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, will be honored at SIUE's Aug. 4 commencement ceremony with the Great Teacher Award.
Sponsored by the Alumni Association, Regnell will accept the award at the 10 a.m. summer term commencement ceremony in SIUE's Vadalabene Center. SIUE alumni nominate candidates for the award by mail or through the association's Web site ( www.siue.edu/alumni) and then the association's Activities Awards Committee chooses from among the nominations.
Regnell retired from SIUE in 1997 after a 30-year career in education. She earned a bachelor of science in speech, with an emphasis in radio and television, at Syracuse University in 1957. A year later, Regnell married a military man whose career took the family to several posts before she was able to earn a master's in speech education in 1966. Regnell then spent a year teaching high school in Syracuse before joining the faculty at SIUE.
During the 1974-75 academic year, Regnell became a visiting professor at the University of Maryland's branch in Teheran, Iran. While there, she also served as professor at the National Institute of Television and Cinematography and also as a master program consultant for National Iranian Radio and Television.
Returning to SIUE in 1975 as an assistant professor, Regnell became an associate professor of mass communications in 1980 and seven years later was named chair of that department until her retirement. At the time of her retirement, Regnell told an interviewer she was proud of the accomplishments of SIUE's mass communications graduates. "We can compete with anyone in the St. Louis Metro Market," she said. "You can't go anywhere in this marketplace without running into an SIUE alum."
7/2/07
National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center Fuels Growth with Siemens
Siemens Energy & Automation Inc. and the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center (NCERC)-in Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's University Park-today announced a partnership to speed the growth of alternative fuel technology. The 10-year agreement between NCERC and Siemens represents hundreds of thousands of dollars in equipment, software and on-site simulation training.
Since 2000, Siemens has supplied the process automation systems for two-thirds of the fuel ethanol plants built in the U.S.
In accepting the gift on behalf of the SIUE Foundation, Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift said the University is strongly committed to the development of bio-fuels technologies. "For the ethanol plants currently under construction in the region," Vandegrift said, "including the $100 million facility being built in Sauget, this represents a very significant contribution to the training and support of a new group of ethanol plant operators."
Opened in 2003, the NCERC-the only research center of its kind in the world-facilitates the commercialization of new technologies for producing ethanol more effectively, resulting in improved ethanol yields and reduction in costs. The Center plays a key role in the Bio-Fuels Industry for Workforce Training to assist in the growing need for qualified personnel to operate and manage bio-fuel refineries across the country. The NCERC also contributes to investigation in agricultural science, which results in creating new jobs and further economic development initiatives in the region.
The SIMATIC® PCS 7 distributed control system and instrumentation from Siemens is now being used by the NCERC to help validate near-term technologies that are enhancing the economics and sustainability of renewable fuel production. "Our clients come to this facility for best-in-class, cutting edge technology," says John Caupert, director of the NCERC. "They are looking for the newest and most efficient ways to convert grain-based feedstock to ethanol. Through our partnership with Siemens, the center will maintain that level of technology."
The announcement by SIEMENS was made today during a tour of the facility sponsored by the Fuel Ethanol Workshop being conducted in St. Louis this week. The workshop, sponsored by BBI International, attracted ethanol plant operators and researchers from around the world.
According to the NCERC, there is a growing demand for new workers in the alternative fuels industry. Center statistics show there are 110 ethanol plants in operation in the U.S. and approximately 80 new plants are under construction. "We are the only organization in the world that offers both classroom training and hands on instruction to anyone," Caupert says. "By collaborating with Siemens, we will be able to offer one-hour seminars and five-day process training sessions on the control system as well as training for the executives who will run the plants."
In January and March 2007, 45 displaced autoworkers from Michigan received comprehensive training during two sessions at the center. The Center also offers internships that provide hands on training for six months to one year. "Our partnership with NCERC gives Siemens the opportunity to help reduce the time it takes to bring alternative fuels to market," says Dave Hankins, vice president, Chemical/Pharmaceutical Center of Competence, Siemens Energy & Automation. "Siemens is committed to the ethanol industry and will continue to look for new opportunities that will grow the viability of the market."
Photo 1: SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift shakes hands with Siemens Vice President David Hankins just after Hankins announces the gift to the University. In Photo 2, the Chancellor chats outside the NCERC with Robert Stephan (left), a representative from U.S. Sen. Barack Obama's office, and Steve Tomaszewski, press secretary for Congressman John Shimkus. The lawmakers could not attend the event because of voting sessions in Washington, D.C. (SIUE Photos by Denise Macdonald)
7/2/07
Disney's High School Musical Sure To Entertain Summer ShowBiz Style
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) With some 2,000 productions expected to be performed by the end of this year nationwide, the juggernaut stage show that is Disney's High School Musical is set to play in Edwardsville later this month at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
Cast with local talent, the stage version of the wildly successful Disney movie of the same name brings Troy and Gabriella's love story to Summer ShowBiz 2007 audiences at 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, July 12-14 and July 19-23, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 15 and 22, all in the theater of SIUE's Katherine Dunham Hall.
If you've been ignoring pop culture for the last several months, the film version of High School Musical hit the Disney Channel in January 2006 and was seen by eight million viewers; the next evening's showing was seen by six million more viewers. It won an Emmy and things really started to happen.
The DVD was released soon after and reached 2.1 million copies sold after only five weeks. Disney reported recently that nearly 60 million viewers have seen the kids from East High School, helped by multiple cable TV airings and DVD sales. By the end of this year, it is reported that the movie will have been televised in 100 countries.
Disney says the soundtrack CD is one of the nation's top-selling albums, reaching No. 10 on the Billboard pop music charts soon after its release, moving to No. 1 for four weeks, then to the third spot and then back up again to the top spot.
The next logical step was to launch a stage version in August 2006; a national professional tour followed and soon thereafter the rights to perform were granted to schools and regional theaters. Next? High School Musical II is scheduled to hit the Disney Channel in August and, of course, High School Musical on Ice is set for the fall.
And, now, local and regional audiences will be able to see it up close and personal in the intimate confines of the Dunham Hall theater at SIUE. "They'll be able to see it very well on our stage," says director Peter Cocuzza, professor of theater and dance at SIUE and chair of that department. "This is a very energetic show with infectious music and dancing."
The story revolves around Troy Bolton, East High's basketball top jock who happens to be a pretty good singer, and Gabriella Montez, a science whiz who also loves to sing. But, each of them hold back from their dream of performing because of peer pressure. The story sends a wholesome message about being true to ourselves and following our hearts to achieve our dreams.
"This musical is aimed at the 'tween' group of kids but many high school students have also been attracted to it," Cocuzza said. "And, parents will like the clear message that it sends to kids, something that Disney has perfected over the years."
The plot also involves funny interaction between the school's drama teacher and the basketball coach, not to mention rival students vying for choice roles in East High's upcoming high school musical.
Some cynics have referred to the musical as Romeo and Juliet meets Grease, but there's no denying the popularity of this phenomenon. "The stage version is about 60 percent music, with some very creative choreography; I think this could become a musical theater classic," Cocuzza said.
Although the stage version faithfully follows the plot of the film, Cocuzza points out there are new tunes added to the score. "The choreography is very similar but we've added our own style," he said, "and we've added screen projections that will enhance the production."
A cast of 36 will include five local high schoolers, 29 college-age actors who are still young enough to appear as high schoolers and also two older adults. "This will be a good theater experience, which is something we always try to deliver during Summer ShowBiz."
Tickets for Disney's High School Musical are $15; senior citizens and students, $12; and are available through SIUE's Fine Arts box office, (618) 650-2774.
Click here for a cast photo
7/2/07
TheBANK Of Edwardsville To Open Banking Center At SIUE
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Beginning Aug. 13, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville students and employees will see a new neighbor in the Morris University Center-TheBANK of Edwardsville.
TheBANK's Cougar Banking Center will offer "innovative products and outstanding customer service" across Goshen Lounge from Starbucks and Auntie Anne's Pretzels, according to Tom Holloway, president of TheBANK of Edwardsville.
The new center is located in the spot formerly housing SIUE Print and Design, which has been moved to a convenient location on the second floor of the Morris Center.
Holloway said the Banking Center will offer full-service banking options, with the exception of safety-deposit boxes. TheBANK's full service banking includes loans, trusts, investments and customer service that is "second to none," Holloway explained.
TheBANK also will serve the SIUE banking community with new Club Services designed to benefit students, faculty and staff. Other customers of TheBANK also may utilize the Cougar Banking Center when visiting SIUE. "Of course, new customers are always welcome," Holloway said.
"We are so thrilled to have the opportunity to serve the SIUE community, offer them products to help them reach their financial goals, and help build a partnership between TheBANK and the University. This is a very special opportunity for TheBANK and one that we are very excited to approach," Holloway said.
"We promise to offer students, faculty and staff of SIUE the outstanding customer service and products for which TheBANK has built its reputation. TheBANK has a long tradition of providing personal service, offering the most innovative products and giving back to the community in which it serves."
As it has since 1980, TheBANK will continue to provide an ATM location inside the Morris Center, according to Morris Center Director Mary Robinson. "The ATM has been used widely throughout the years, but now our students will have access to many more services. We've been talking about this possibility for some time now and we're very excited that it will soon be a reality," Robinson said.
"Our philosophy at the Morris Center is based on service to students," she said. "We like to say the Morris Center is the students' home away from home. With the opening of TheBANK's Cougar Banking Center, we are furthering that philosophy."
Holloway pointed with pride to the fact that SIUE is celebrating its 50th birthday this year. "TheBANK of Edwardsville has watched and celebrated the growth of the University and the many outstanding programs, students and citizens it has brought to our community.
"In tandem, we too have experienced growth and believe that SIUE and TheBANK make outstanding partners in this new endeavor, and share in our dedication to the community and those we serve."
Narbeth Emmanuel, SIUE vice chancellor for Student Affairs, sees the new banking center as representative of the University's long-standing commitment to not only students and employees but also to the surrounding community. "One of our SIUE goals is Active Community Engagement," Emmanuel said. "As an important resource in Southwestern Illinois, the University is continually mindful of its role in the surrounding communities and this is an excellent example of how we achieve those goals.
"We pride ourselves in the community partnerships we've created and this new partnership with TheBANK of Edwardsville continues that commitment," Emmanuel said.
The Cougar Banking Center will be open 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday thru Friday; weekend hours will be available during special on-campus events.
TheBANK has locations in Edwardsville, Alton, Belleville, Bethalto, Collinsville, Glen Carbon, Granite City, Highland, O'Fallon, Pontoon Beach and Troy, and has assets exceeding $1.1 billion. For more information
June 2007
·National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center Fuels Growth with Siemens·Disney's High School Musical Sure To Entertain Summer Showbiz Style
·TheBANK Of Edwardsville To Open Banking Center At SIUE
·CEO Alper To Receive Distinguished Alum Award From SIUE
·School of Engineering Welcomes Future Women Engineers
·June Employee Of The Month
·Engineering Students Take Prize At International Conference
·SIUE Engineering Students Take National Awards At Conference
·Dillard U. Professor To Conduct Wright Workshop At ESTL, SIUE
·SIUE School of Nursing Graduate Set For Middle East Mission
·BOT Approves Three Projects For Edwardsville Campus
·SIUE Professor Named To Urban Research Institute Post
·Summer ShowBiz 2007 Kicks Off With Guys And Dolls
·Study Finds Lower New Teacher Attrition Rates from Profession in Illinois
·SIUE School of Engineering Welcomes Future Women Engineers
·SIUE Department of Philosophy Professor/Chair Receives $10K Award
·Cougar Softball Team Day proclaimed by Mayor of Edwardsville
·SIUE Biology Faculty Member Studying Flying Squirrels
·B. Bergeron Named Dean Of School Of Education At SIUE
·Engineering Professors Receive $150K NSF Grant For Robotics
6/29/07
National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center Fuels Growth with Siemens
Siemens Energy & Automation Inc. and the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center (NCERC)-in Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's University Park-today announced a partnership to speed the growth of alternative fuel technology. The 10-year agreement between NCERC and Siemens represents hundreds of thousands of dollars in equipment, software and on-site simulation training.
Since 2000, Siemens has supplied the process automation systems for two-thirds of the fuel ethanol plants built in the U.S.
In accepting the gift on behalf of the SIUE Foundation, Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift said the University is strongly committed to the development of bio-fuels technologies. "For the ethanol plants currently under construction in the region," Vandegrift said, "including the $100 million facility being built in Sauget, this represents a very significant contribution to the training and support of a new group of ethanol plant operators."
Opened in 2003, the NCERC-the only research center of its kind in the world-facilitates the commercialization of new technologies for producing ethanol more effectively, resulting in improved ethanol yields and reduction in costs. The Center plays a key role in the Bio-Fuels Industry for Workforce Training to assist in the growing need for qualified personnel to operate and manage bio-fuel refineries across the country. The NCERC also contributes to investigation in agricultural science, which results in creating new jobs and further economic development initiatives in the region.
The SIMATIC® PCS 7 distributed control system and instrumentation from Siemens is now being used by the NCERC to help validate near-term technologies that are enhancing the economics and sustainability of renewable fuel production. "Our clients come to this facility for best-in-class, cutting edge technology," says John Caupert, director of the NCERC. "They are looking for the newest and most efficient ways to convert grain-based feedstock to ethanol. Through our partnership with Siemens, the center will maintain that level of technology."
The announcement by SIEMENS was made today during a tour of the facility sponsored by the Fuel Ethanol Workshop being conducted in St. Louis this week. The workshop, sponsored by BBI International, attracted ethanol plant operators and researchers from around the world.
According to the NCERC, there is a growing demand for new workers in the alternative fuels industry. Center statistics show there are 110 ethanol plants in operation in the U.S. and approximately 80 new plants are under construction. "We are the only organization in the world that offers both classroom training and hands on instruction to anyone," Caupert says. "By collaborating with Siemens, we will be able to offer one-hour seminars and five-day process training sessions on the control system as well as training for the executives who will run the plants."
In January and March 2007, 45 displaced autoworkers from Michigan received comprehensive training during two sessions at the center. The Center also offers internships that provide hands on training for six months to one year. "Our partnership with NCERC gives Siemens the opportunity to help reduce the time it takes to bring alternative fuels to market," says Dave Hankins, vice president, Chemical/Pharmaceutical Center of Competence, Siemens Energy & Automation. "Siemens is committed to the ethanol industry and will continue to look for new opportunities that will grow the viability of the market."
Photo 1, SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift chats outside the NCERC with Robert Stephan (left), a representative from U.S. Sen. Barack Obama's office, and Steve Tomaszewski, press secretary for Congressman John Shimkus. The lawmakers could not attend the event because of voting sessions in Washington, D.C. (SIUE Photos by Denise Macdonald)
6/27/07
Disney's High School Musical Sure To Entertain Summer Showbiz Style
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) With some 2,000 productions expected to be performed by the end of this year nationwide, the juggernaut stage show that is Disney's High School Musical is set to play in Edwardsville next month at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
Cast with local talent, the stage version of the wildly successful Disney movie of the same name brings Troy and Gabriella's love story to Summer ShowBiz 2007 audiences at 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, July 12-14 and July 19-23, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 15 and 22, all in the theater of SIUE's Katherine Dunham Hall.
If you've been ignoring pop culture for the last several months, the film version of High School Musical hit the Disney Channel in January 2006 and was seen by eight million viewers; the next evening's showing was seen by six million more viewers. It won an Emmy and things really started to happen.
The DVD was released soon after and reached 2.1 million copies sold after only five weeks. Disney reported recently that nearly 60 million viewers have seen the kids from East High School, helped by multiple cable TV airings and DVD sales. By the end of this year, it is reported that the movie will have been televised in 100 countries.
Disney says the soundtrack CD is one of the nation's top-selling albums, reaching No. 10 on the Billboard pop music charts soon after its release, moving to No. 1 for four weeks, then to the third spot and then back up again to the top spot.
The next logical step was to launch a stage version in August 2006; a national professional tour followed and soon thereafter the rights to perform were granted to schools and regional theaters. Next? High School Musical II is scheduled to hit the Disney Channel in August and, of course, High School Musical on Ice is set for the fall.
And, now, local and regional audiences will be able to see it up close and personal in the intimate confines of the Dunham Hall theater at SIUE. "They'll be able to see it very well on our stage," says director Peter Cocuzza, professor of theater and dance at SIUE and chair-elect of that department. "This is a very energetic show with infectious music and dancing."
The story revolves around Troy Bolton, East High's basketball top jock who happens to be a pretty good singer, and Gabriella Montez, a science whiz who also loves to sing. But, each of them hold back from their dream of performing because of peer pressure. The story sends a wholesome message about being true to ourselves and following our hearts to achieve our dreams.
"This musical is aimed at the 'tween' group of kids but many high school students have also been attracted to it," Cocuzza said. "And, parents will like the clear message that it sends to kids, something that Disney has perfected over the years."
The plot also involves funny interaction between the school's drama teacher and the basketball coach, not to mention rival students vying for choice roles in East High's upcoming high school musical.
Some cynics have referred to the musical as Romeo and Juliet meets Grease, but there's no denying the popularity of this phenomenon. "The stage version is about 60 percent music, with some very creative choreography; I think this could become a musical theater classic," Cocuzza said.
Although the stage version faithfully follows the plot of the film, Cocuzza points out there are new tunes added to the score. "The choreography is very similar but we've added our own style," he said, "and we've added screen projections that will enhance the production."
A cast of 36 will include five local high schoolers, 29 college-age actors who are still young enough to appear as high schoolers and also two adults. "This will be a good theater experience, which is something we always try to deliver during Summer ShowBiz."
Tickets for Disney's High School Musical are $15; senior citizens and students, $12; and are available through SIUE's Fine Arts box office, (618) 650-2774.
Click here for a cast photo
6/25/07
TheBANK Of Edwardsville To Open Banking Center At SIUE
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Beginning Aug. 13, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville students and employees will see a new neighbor in the Morris University Center-TheBANK of Edwardsville.
TheBANK's Cougar Banking Center will offer "innovative products and outstanding customer service" across Goshen Lounge from Starbucks and Auntie Anne's Pretzels, according to Tom Holloway, president of TheBANK of Edwardsville.
The new center is located in the spot formerly housing SIUE Print and Design, which has been moved to a convenient location on the second floor of the Morris Center.
Holloway said the Banking Center will offer full-service banking options, with the exception of safety-deposit boxes. TheBANK's full service banking includes loans, trusts, investments and customer service that is "second to none," Holloway explained.
TheBANK also will serve the SIUE banking community with new Club Services designed to benefit students, faculty and staff. Other customers of TheBANK also may utilize the Cougar Banking Center when visiting SIUE. "Of course, new customers are always welcome," Holloway said.
"We are so thrilled to have the opportunity to serve the SIUE community, offer them products to help them reach their financial goals, and help build a partnership between TheBANK and the University. This is a very special opportunity for TheBANK and one that we are very excited to approach," Holloway said.
"We promise to offer students, faculty and staff of SIUE the outstanding customer service and products for which TheBANK has built its reputation. TheBANK has a long tradition of providing personal service, offering the most innovative products and giving back to the community in which it serves."
As it has since 1980, TheBANK will continue to provide an ATM location inside the Morris Center, according to Morris Center Director Mary Robinson. "The ATM has been used widely throughout the years, but now our students will have access to many more services. We've been talking about this possibility for some time now and we're very excited that it will soon be a reality," Robinson said.
"Our philosophy at the Morris Center is based on service to students," she said. "We like to say the Morris Center is the students' home away from home. With the opening of TheBANK's Cougar Banking Center, we are furthering that philosophy."
Holloway pointed with pride to the fact that SIUE is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. "TheBANK of Edwardsville has watched and celebrated the growth of the University and the many outstanding programs, students and citizens it has brought to our community.
"In tandem, we too have experienced growth and believe that SIUE and TheBANK make outstanding partners in this new endeavor, and share in our dedication to the community and those we serve."
Narbeth Emmanuel, SIUE vice chancellor for Student Affairs, sees the new banking center as representative of the University's long-standing commitment to not only students and employees but also to the surrounding community. "One of our SIUE goals is Active Community Engagement," Emmanuel said. "As an important resource in Southwestern Illinois, the University is continually mindful of its role in the surrounding communities and this is an excellent example of how we achieve our goals.
"We pride ourselves in the community partnerships we've created and this new partnership with TheBANK of Edwardsville continues that commitment," Emmanuel said.
The Cougar Banking Center will be open 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday thru Friday; weekend hours will be available during special on-campus events.
TheBANK has locations in Edwardsville, Alton, Belleville, Bethalto, Collinsville, Glen Carbon, Granite City, Highland, O'Fallon, Pontoon Beach and Troy, and has assets exceeding $1.1 billion. For more information about TheBANK of Edwardsville, visit www.4thebank.com.
6/21/07
CEO Alper To Receive Distinguished Alum Award From SIUE
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Keith Alper, CEO, co-founder of and executive producer at Creative Producers Group Inc. (CPG) and a 1984 graduate of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, will receive the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the SIUE Alumni Association during Summer Commencement ceremonies Aug. 4 in SIUE's Vadalabene Center.
Candidates will receive diplomas from the College of Arts and Sciences and the Graduate School, as well as the Schools of Business, Education, Engineering and Nursing. The Distinguished Alumnus Award is given annually at summer commencement by the Alumni Association for extraordinary contributions by an SIUE graduate to the university and to society.
Alper, who earned a bachelor of science in Mass Communications, has chaired that department's advisory board and has served on the SIUE School of Business Advisory Board. CPG also helped SIUE with a new branding launch in 2005.
He is founding chairman of the St. Louis chapter of the Young Entrepreneurs' Organization (YEO) and became YEO's international chairman in 1998. YEO boasts more than 5,000 members worldwide. He served as chapter chairman for the St. Louis Young Presidents Organization and now acts as YPO's Strategic Planning chairman.
Alper also devotes time to local business groups and non-profit organizations, serving on the boards of Enterprise Financial Clayton Bank, St. Louis County Enterprise Centers, KWMU-FM, the St. Louis International Film Festival, and Korte Construction Co. He also has served as president and chair of the Saint Louis Advertising and Marketing Association.
Recognized both locally and nationally for excellence in his field, Alper's awards include "Top 100 Multimedia Producers," "Founders 30 or Younger," Hope Reports Top 100, and the St. Louis Business Journal "40 Under 40" distinction. He also served as a national judge and presenter for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Alper has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, INC, and Fortune magazine.
Click here for a photo of Keith Alper
6/21/07
School of Engineering Welcomes Future Women Engineers
Photo 1 | 2 | 3 |
The SIUE School of Engineering was a hub of excitement in mid-June as female high school students visited and engaged in hands-on learning projects as part of the 2007 Future Women Engineers Program. The events-including construction of a hovercraft and a hovercraft racing demonstration, as well as a Lego robotics project-were organized to energize youth about engineering by giving them an opportunity to explore engineering options. In Photo 1, Sarah Arnac, 17, of St. Charles, Mo., works with camp instructor Dennis O'Connor in a hovercraft demonstration. In Photo 2, Ashley Crutcher, of Troy, adjusts her own hovercraft. In Photo 3, Amy Allen, of Springfield, listens while O'Connor explains the hovercraft's operation. (SIUE Photos by Denise Macdonald)
6/19/07
June Employee Of The Month
Click here for photo
Congratulations: Tina Roundcount, pharmacist in Health Service, is recipient of the June Employee Recognition Award. Roundcount (second from right) is shown here flanked by Narbeth Emmanuel (at left), vice chancellor for Student Affairs, and Kenneth Neher, vice chancellor for Administration, who presented the award. At far left is Riane Greenwalt, director of Health Service who nominated Roundcount for the award. In addition to the plaque she received, Roundcount was awarded a $25 gift certificate to the SIUE Bookstore, a parking spot close to her office for one month, and two complimentary lunch coupons to the University Restaurant. (SIUE Photo by Denise Macdonald)
6/18/07
Engineering Students Take Prize At International Conference
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The project of two Southern Illinois University Edwardsville engineering students recently won first place and $1,500 at the Unigraphics Solutions (UGS) Connection Americas 2007 Users Conference.
Terry Goble, a senior from Kansas, Ill., and Brian Graham, a junior from Washington, Ill., both majoring in industrial and manufacturing engineering, presented Application of 3D Modeling Technology to Lego Industries at the event in Long Beach, Calif.
Using UGS modeling technology, the students created a 3D model for a sample Lego product, which was called the Star Wars B-Wing, demonstrating its usage for Lego Design/Manufacturing Industries.
UGS is "a leading global provider of product lifecycle management (PLM) software and services with nearly four million licensed seats and 46,000 customers worldwide.
The works of three student groups, using UGS software, were featured from different institutions of higher learning as part of the conference. Each group received an award and their work was presented.
H. Felix Lee, a professor of industrial and manufacturing engineering in the SIUE School of Engineering, was the faculty adviser. He presented the students' project before about 20 colleagues. Representatives attending the conference came from several institutions, including Michigan State University, University of California-Davis and Ervine, Universitaet Darmstadt of Germany, and University West of Sweden.
More than 2,100 people attended, representing 27 countries.
6/18/07
SIUE Engineering Students Take Regional Awards At Conference
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's students are not afraid to take on a challenge; whether it involves making concrete float or designing and building a steel bridge.
Members of the SIUE School of Engineering student chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers garnered several awards at a regional conference recently for two major projects-building a functional concrete canoe and a steel bridge structure.
The students took two first-place awards for an oral presentation and a technical report on a canoe design and second-place awards for the final product and paddling, and overall concept.
In its fourth consecutive year of competition, the team came within a few strokes of unseating University of Oklahoma in the concrete canoe competition.
SIUE's team, led by incoming seniors Rob Heer of Rochester and Jake Gonterman of Collinsville, achieved first place for lightness of the steel bridge. SIUE Engineering students have participated in the steel bridge competition for 13 years.
Brent Vaughn, civil engineering laboratory specialist and lecturer, served as the team's faculty advisor. "We admire all the effort that the students put forth and how well they continue to do, in addition to taking care of their school work," Vaughn said. "It's a great learning and growing opportunity for students.
"Our students work very hard to make their teams as successful as they are. The civil engineering faculty and staff continue to admire the achievements of the ASCE student chapter members."
Michael Ewersmann of Collinsville and Chad Komnick of Edwardsville, who both recently graduated, headed the canoe team.
Boasting a membership of nearly 110 students and growing, the student chapter is one of the largest student organizations on campus. For more information about the student chapter, visit the Web site: www.ce.siue.edu/asce/index.html.
Click here for a picture from the canoe competition. Click here for a picture from the steel bridge competition.
6/18/07
Dillard U. Professor To Conduct Wright Workshop At ESTL, SIUE
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) In preparation for the 2008 International Richard Wright Centennial, Jerry W. Ward, Jr., a Wright expert and professor of English and African World Studies at Dillard University in New Orleans, will give presentations on the celebrated author in East St. Louis and Edwardsville on June 26 and 28. Both events are free.
Wright (1908-1960), a best-selling author whose novel, Native Son (1940), was the first by an African American to become a Book of the Month Club selection, wrote 16 works of fiction and nonfiction, including Black Boy (1955), and also poetry.
At 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 26, the Eugene B. Redmond Writers Club will play host to Ward who will conduct a workshop on Wright in the Library (Building B) of SIUE's East St. Louis Center, 601 J.R. Thompson Dr.
At 1 p.m. Thursday, June 28, Ward also will present a lecture and workshop on Wright (and the "creative experience") in Room 2304 of Peck Hall on SIUE's Edwardsville Campus. An East St. Louis drum troupe and members of the EBR Writers Club's Soular Systems Ensemble also will perform.
Wright was born in Natchez, Miss., wending his way through Memphis to Chicago, where he wrote Native Son, later to become a film.
A seminal influence on African-American literature and activism, Wright influenced a generation of writers-including James Baldwin, Ralph Ellison, Toni Morrison, Ishmael Reed, and Alice Walker-and inspired the Civil Rights and Black Arts/Black Power movements of the 1950s and '60s.
In addition to his Richard Wright Centennial projects, Ward is writing new essays for Reading Race Reading America: Social and Literary Essays and new poems for JAZZ SOUTH. The editor of "Trouble the Water: 250 Years of African American Poetry," Ward also is co-editing the Cambridge History of African American Literature with Maryemma Graham of the University of Kansas. He also is a co-founder of The Richard Wright Circle and Newsletter.
In July, the EBR Writers Club and Drumvoices Revue will issue a "call for Kwansabas for Richard Wright." Selected kwansabas (49-word, 7-line poems) will appear in the 2008 issue of Drumvoices, co-published by the Club and SIUE.
Ward's visit is sponsored by SIUE's College of Arts and Sciences, the SIUE Department of English Language and Literature, Drumvoices Revue, and the EBR Writers Club. For more information, call (618) 650-3991, or e-mail eredmon@siue.edu.
6/14/07
SIUE School of Nursing Graduate Set For Middle East Mission
(ST. LOUIS) When duty calls, 28-year veteran nurse Lt. Col. Marceline Robinson will be ready for action.
Robinson, an army reservist in the U.S. Army Nurse Corp. and two-time graduate of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Nursing-earning a bachelor's and a master's of science in nursing in 1975 and 1983, respectively-expects to leave for training in Wisconsin sometime this month before venturing into the Middle East theater later this year.
An associate chief nurse of mental health, Robinson has been at the St. Louis Veterans Administration (VA) Medical Center-Jefferson Barracks Division for more than 20 years.
While Robinson is no stranger to traveling-having gone to Germany twice as part of her reservist training-this will be the psychiatric nurse's first time in a war zone. She said the strength, support and encouragement of her family and friends has prepared her for the upcoming mission.
"I couldn't have done everything I've been able to do without the support I've gotten from my family and my work," Robinson said. "You look at the news every day and there are a lot of casualties. I'm sure it's sinking in with my family now.
"I have a really supportive family and a supportive environment at the VA."
Included in Robinson's family are her husband Joseph Robinson, and the couple's children, 26-year-old son, Jomar, and 19-year-old daughter, Bree. While Robinson first faced her orders in a "kind of disbelief," it has been the courage of her family and coworkers that has gotten her past the initial shock and prepared her for the journey.
Robinson said she found her "nitch" in psychiatric nursing, and that medical advances have made the future look brighter for individuals living with mental illnesses. "Over the years you can see a change in patients with their mental functioning," she said. "This has happened with the introduction of A-typical medications."
A-typical medications also are referred to as anti-psychotic medications.
She said she chose mental health as an area to focus on because "patients get better. It's everything I thought it would be," Robinson said of her nursing career. "You never really get burned out because there are so many different things you can do.
"I love it. I like taking care of patients and I like, as an administrator, taking care of projects. I don't have any regrets."
Click here for a picture of Marceline Robinson.
6/14/07
BOT Approves Three Projects For Edwardsville Campus
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees today approved two projects with budgets totaling more than $1.2 million and also approved a re-sale agreement with Apple Computers that could be worth as much as $5 million over 10 years, both for the SIU Edwardsville campus.
The board voted on the matters at its regular meeting conducted on the Carbondale campus.
Under the re-sale agreement, SIUE will sign a 10-year contract to purchase Apple Computer products for sale in the SIUE Bookstore. The agreement would approve the Bookstore as an Apple dealer to sell Apple computers, iPods, and Apple peripherals and accessories.
The contract, funded through sale of the products, allows the Bookstore to purchase about $500,000 in Apple equipment each year of the contract, depending on demand. The agreement would allow the Bookstore to sell to SIUE employees and students at special pricing only available to higher education. The University would receive a 4%-6% commission on sales.
The two projects approved by the board today include construction of the Secondary Computer Center, at a cost of $800,000, and upgrades to the drinking water training facilities at SIUE's Environmental Resources Training Center (ERTC) on New Poag Road, at a cost of $460,500.
The new center would provide back-up storage facilities for the main computing center at SIUE. It also would provide space for the Computer Refresh Program with a small area of secure storage for Lovejoy Library special collections. The project would be funded through the University's Information Technology Fee and Library Operating funds. Plans call for the facility to be located near SIUE Supporting Services on the south end of campus.
The ERTC upgrades would be funded through a grant from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA). In 1974, the ERTC was designated by the IEPA as the Illinois center for the continuing education of personnel involved in the operation, maintenance and management of drinking water and wastewater treatment systems.
The upgrades would provide modern equipment and control systems to train its students in various systems and methods of water treatment.
6/12/07
SIUE Professor Named To Urban Research Institute Post
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Andrew Theising, an assistant professor of political science at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and author of an award-winning book chronicling the history of East St. Louis, has been named director of the University's Institute for Urban Research (IUR), according to SIUE Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Paul Ferguson.
Theising, who has been a member of the political science faculty since 2002, begins his new position July 1. He succeeds David Ault, an SIUE professor emeritus of Economics and Finance who has directed the institute since 2005.
Associate Provost for Research Stephen Hansen said the IUR underwent a number of significant changes under Ault's leadership. "One of the most important changes was the funding and development of interdisciplinary research teams designed to explore a variety of urban issues," Hansen said.
In his new position, Theising will direct the Institute's policy-oriented research of significance to the Metro East and stimulate discussion of a Metro East policy agenda. Theising said such research can help federal, state and local agencies combat urban problems in Southwest Illinois.
Considered one of the foremost authorities on East St. Louis who has helped SIUE become a major repository for East St. Louis archival materials, Theising wrote Made in the USA: East St. Louis (Virginia Publishing, 2003), which was the subject of an Emmy Award-winning public television documentary of the same name.
He earned three degrees at the University of Missouri-St. Louis-a bachelor's, master's and doctorate, all in political science. Theising was community policy director for FOCUS St. Louis, the regional
citizens league that interacts extensively with national, regional and local agencies on a variety of projects. Immediately before joining the SIUE faculty, he was director of the East St. Louis Neighborhood Technical Assistance Center for the University of Illinois.
Theising also serves on the board of the St. Louis Metropolitan Research Exchange, a consortium of research institutions in the area. "Andy has an outstanding record of research in urban issues," Hansen said.
Click here for a photo of Professor Theising.
6/8/07
Summer ShowBiz 2007 Kicks Off With Guys And Dolls
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Damon Runyon wrote some great short stories about the denizens of 1920s New York City, but it took songwriter Frank Loesser and lyricists Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows to bring those unique characters to the Broadway musical stage.
The result in 1950 was Guys and Dolls, a slice of Americana that comes to the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Summer ShowBiz stage later this month. Guys and Dolls runs at 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, June 14-16 and 21-23, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 17 and 24, all in the theater at SIUE's Katherine Dunham Hall.
It won't be the first time that the musical has been featured at SIUE. "We did this musical in 1987 and it was a big hit for us," says C. Otis Sweezey, chair of the SIUE Department of Theater and Dance and set designer 20 years ago and for the current production.
Sweezey's first design was an inspired piece of work, but this current set promises to be more mature. "I'd like to think I've been improving throughout my career," Sweezey said. "After designing for summer productions at SIUE for 36 years, I have designed quite a few musicals. Guys and Dolls is one of my favorites."
As for the story line, Sweezey referred to Guys and Dolls as a "crowd pleaser," but also pointed out its theatricality and those Runyon characters. There's Scranton Slim, Brandy Bottle Bates, Nicely-Nicely Johnson, Nathan Detroit and Harry the Horse, the funniest collection of gamblers, scam artists and pickpockets you'd ever want to meet.
"They are always looking for a way to win a bet, pick a horse, or find a craps game," Sweezey said with a laugh. "It's all in good fun."
Director Janet Strzelec, director of the dance program at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Mo., and an alumna of SIUE, is wearing three hats for the production-director, choreographer and one of the leads. "I portrayed Adelaide (Nathan Detroit's betrothed) in my high school production at Hazelwood (MO) High School," she explained. "And, there really wasn't anyone who auditioned for this production with, shall I say, the maturity for the part, so I decided to play it."
Strzelec is playing Adelaide to Peter Cocuzza's Nathan, both of whom are portraying characters who have been engaged for 14 years. Cocuzza is a professor of theater and dance at SIUE and chair-elect of that department. "These characters aren't supposed to be spring chickens," Strzelec said. Both Strzelec and Cocuzza are among a largely young cast, with some older actors for balance.
Director Strzelec does bring a wealth of experience to the part. She has been a dance teacher and play director at Hazelwood and Parkway schools in St. Louis County and at St. Louis University High School, as well as at SIUE and Lindenwood. She also taught dance for private studios for several years. In addition, Strzelec has been a choreographer and director for the Summer ShowBiz program since the early 1990s.
" Guys and Dolls is a production that is very close to my heart," Strzelec said. In addition to playing the role of Adelaide in high school, the hit musical was part of her MFA thesis. "I've also choreographed this show at least four times. I've lost track.
"The play is filled with unusual characters and that's part of its charm for me," Strzelec said. "It's an old-fashioned musical with a happy ending."
In addition to the three hats she's wearing for Guys and Dolls, Strzelec also is choreographing Disney's High School Musical, the next Summer ShowBiz production that begins July 12. "People have been asking me if I'm tired, but, if I'm working with people I like, I don't mind putting in the time," she said. "That's why I keep coming back every summer to SIUE.
"I hope everyone comes to see this show," Strzelec said. "I never get tired of it and it's always funny. It's a very funny show."
For tickets to Guys and Dolls, call the SIUE Fine Arts box office, (618) 650-2774.
Click here for photo of cast that includes, from left, Acacia Moll of Altamont, as Mimi; Josh Douglas of Granite City, as Nicely-Nicely Johnson; Philip Leveling of Glen Carbon, as Sky Masterson; and Emily Reutebuch, also of Granite City, as Sarah.
6/8/07
Study Finds Lower New Teacher Attrition Rates from Profession in Illinois
About 40 percent of Illinois' new teachers leave teaching within five years, but this initial attrition rate falls to 27 percent when accounting for those who return to the profession, according to a study released recently by the Illinois Education Research Council (IERC) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
The IERC was established in 2000 at SIUE to provide Illinois with education research to support P-16 education policy making and program development. The IERC undertakes independent research and policy analysis, often in collaboration with other researchers, that informs and strengthens Illinois' commitment to providing a seamless system of educational opportunities for its citizens.
The IERC report states: "The teaching profession is not in crisis." Unlike conventional wisdom, the report points out, which seems to hold up a figure of 50 percent attrition rate among teachers, the overall rate has remained stable since the late 1980s. Teaching is actually more stable than most other occupations requiring similar education levels, according to the report.
Still, the report raises an important area for concern-the high rates at which new teachers leave their initial schools within their first five years. Two of every three new teachers either leave, or move from their initial school to another in the Illinois public school system within their first five years. This can create considerable disruption within schools, the report notes.
The study, Leaving Schools or Leaving the Profession: Setting Illinois' Record Straight on New Teacher Attrition, is one of the largest ever undertaken that looks at new teacher attrition over such a long period of time and in such detail. Researchers at IERC studied demographic and mobility data on more than 160,000 new teachers from 1971-2006. The study reports on teachers who leave the profession within their first five years and return and on those who leave their starting school.
The study found little difference between the percentages of males and females who leave the profession for good, and that teachers who start in Chicago Public Schools and suburban and rural areas show similar rates of attrition from the profession-26 percent and 28 percent, respectively. The percentage of white teachers leaving the profession is somewhat higher, at 28 percent, than the rates of African Americans and Hispanics, at 22 percent and 24 percent, respectively.
The researchers also looked at the influence of school demographics on a teacher's decision to leave the first school and the profession altogether. Teachers who start in schools with greater than 90 percent low-income students are no more likely to leave the profession than teachers who begin in schools with fewer low-income students.
"There are some schools in every Illinois locale and every demographic category with high rates of attrition," says Karen J. DeAngelis, lead author of the report and a former SIU Edwardsville assistant research professor. "This indicates that there are other school attributes that affect teachers' decisions to stay or leave. But what is encouraging is teachers are not fleeing the profession, as many have thought."
The researchers did find a link between teachers with higher academic qualifications and a greater likelihood to leave the profession if they start at disadvantaged and underperforming schools.
6/8/07
SIUE School of Engineering Welcomes Future Women Engineers
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Engineering will be a hub of excitement Monday-Friday, June 11-15, as female high school students visit and engage in hands-on learning projects as part of the 2007 Future Women Engineers Program.
The events have been organized to energize youth about engineering by giving them the chance to explore engineering options. Featured activities of the week that will take place in the Engineering Building will include:
• Computer Science Lego Robotics from 1:30-4:30 p.m. Monday, in room 2029;
• Mechanical Engineering Hovercraft demonstration from 1:30-4:30 pm. Friday, in room 1027.
Other activities have been planned for the week, including industrial field trips and industrial, mechanical, computer science, electronics and construction management laboratories, as well as a bridge competition. For more information call Ron Banks, (618) 650-3521.
6/8/07
SIUE Department of Philosophy Professor/Chair Receives $10K Award
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) As the first woman admitted to the Ph.D. program in philosophy at Purdue University in 1969, Margaret "Peg" Simons knew she was choosing an uphill career path.
But in the spirit of Simone de Beauvoir, an enigmatic woman philosopher she has studied for the last 35 years, Simons has not only welcomed the journey; she has embraced it with open arms.
Today she is a professor and the chair of the Department of Philosophy at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and the second recipient of SIUE's William and Margaret Going Endowed Professorship-the award's first woman recipient.
The $10,000 gift is awarded to a faculty member who demonstrates great passion for his or her own work. It was made possible through a contribution from SIUE's first academic division head-William Going, 91, and his wife. Bill Going is an emeritus professor of English Language and Literature, a respected scholar and teacher, and one of the pioneer founders of SIUE.
"It's a very generous award that they set up," Simons said of the Goings. "It's to encourage people to do their work."
And that is what Simons will be doing this summer when she continues editing a seven-volume series of Beauvoir's philosophical writings in English translation, co-edited by Sylvie Le Bon de Beauvoir and published by the University of Illinois Press. Simons currently is finishing an introduction to the third volume in the series, Beauvoir's Wartime Diary, translated by Anne Deing Cordero.
It is Simons' goal to make Beauvoir's contributions to philosophy better known. Toward that end she has accepted an invitation to present a paper at an International Colloquium in Paris, celebrating the 100th anniversary of Beauvoir's birth in January 2008.
Simons' presentation will focus on Beauvoir's construction of an existentialist ethic in the post-World War II era, and Beauvoir's philosophy in The Second Sex (1949), the book which Simons studied in her doctoral dissertation.
"The Second Sex is probably the most important book on women in the 20th century," Simons said. "It laid the theoretical foundation for the Women's Movement in the 1960s.
"Beauvoir is really important because she charted the difficulties, the challenges that women faced as they moved out of the domestic, private sphere and into the public sphere in the 20th century.
"(Beauvoir) is the person who theorized this movement with the most sophistication, with the most subtlety and thoroughness. She looked at it from historical, religious, literary, psychoanalytic perspectives, studying all these different aspects of women's changing roles."
Simons' own work studying Beauvoir has drawn wide respect, with professor and peer Elizabeth E. A. Fallaize, pro-vice chancellor of education at the University of Oxford stating: "No international conference on Beauvoir's work is complete without Professor Simons; no editor of a collective work on Beauvoir would not try to obtain a contribution from her.
"(Simons) has encouraged many younger scholars and helped them to bring their work to international attention, and she has worked tirelessly to support both conferences on Beauvoir and the Beauvoir Society. It is in no small part due to Professor Simons' work that American scholars are now at the forefront of the work being carried out on Beauvoir's philosophical writing."
Simons admits that after 35 years of studying Beauvoir's philosophical works: "I'm still trying to understand her philosophy. I've been working on the same question after all these years. What is her philosophy?"
She added: "The reason (Beauvoir) is so complicated could be because there are so few women philosophers. Women weren't allowed in the classes; they weren't allowed to get the Ph.D.s or the jobs.
"Just in the last 35 years it has changed so much. At Purdue, I was the first woman admitted in the philosophy program. It was very lonely."
Simons became the third woman in the SIUE philosophy department at about the time the University's Women's Studies Program was born. Today, the philosophy department has five women and nine men, and the Women's Studies Program offers an interdisciplinary minor.
"It's exciting to be part of this change," Simons said.
Click here for photo of Margaret "Peg" Simons.
6/6/07
Cougar Softball Team Day proclaimed by Mayor of Edwardsville
The SIUE Softball team is shown at an Edwardsville City Council meeting as Edwardsville Mayor Gary Niebur reads a proclamation announcing June 6 as SIUE Cougar Softball Team Day in Edwardsville. Coach Sandy Montgomery is shown in front.
Click here for photo of ceremony at city hall.
6/4/07
SIUE Biology Faculty Member Studying Flying Squirrels
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Richard Essner, assistant professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, is embarked on an important environmental project with funding from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources' Illinois Wildlife Preservation Fund.
His project is "Monitoring a Flying Squirrel Population with Nest Boxes in a Fragmented Suburban Landscape." Essner's work is funded through June 30, 2009.
According to Essner, the southern flying squirrel, Glaucomys volans, is a nocturnal, cavity-nesting rodent found in deciduous forests throughout eastern North America. "Flying squirrels play a critical role as predator and prey; their presence is a general indicator of forest quality," Essner explained.
"In Illinois, most available habitat for flying squirrels is highly fragmented. Precise characterization of movement is particularly important in rapidly changing suburban landscapes, where detailed information could contribute to land use planning." The results of this research will assist in land use planning on the SIUE campus, as well as in similar habitats across Illinois.
The campus presents a unique opportunity to study a flying squirrel population, especially since the undeveloped portion of the campus is characterized by relatively small fragments of oak-hickory forest.
"The objective of the study is to set up a series of nest box grids within four fragmented woodlots on the SIUE campus to monitor the local flying squirrel population," Essner said. He pointed out that flying squirrels will be marked and recaptured over a three-year period in order to determine movement patterns and to assess their ability to disperse across a highly fragmented landscape.
6/1/07
B. Bergeron Named Dean Of School Of Education At SIUE
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Bette S. Bergeron, currently an associate dean at the Polytechnic Campus of Arizona State University, will become the dean of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Education on July 1, according to SIUE Provost Paul Ferguson.
Ferguson said Bergeron's appointment, subject to approval by the SIU Board of Trustees, is the result of a national search. Bergeron succeeds Elliott Lessen, who retired as dean of Education in 2006 after five years in that position.
"Dr. Bergeron will bring her strength of experience in programmatic management, collaboration, team-building and commitment to the development of faculty, staff and students to this new position," Ferguson said.
In addition to her position as associate dean at ASU, Bergeron also was a professor of education in the School of Educational Innovation and Teacher Preparation on the Polytechnic Campus in Mesa, Ariz. During her career at ASU since 2000, Bergeron has held several positions in which she's been responsible for fiscal management, curriculum, personnel, strategic planning, accreditation, program review and development.
Before joining ASU, Bergeron was professor of teacher education and chair of that department at Purdue University Calumet from 1990-99.
Bergeron earned a master of science and a doctorate in curriculum and instruction at Purdue and a bachelor of science in elementary education at the University of Maine. Her scholarly interest focuses on applied research, particularly in the development of quality teacher education programs and in-service educators.
She has published and presented more than 75 papers during the past decade and has collaborated with colleagues to obtain substantive external funding for numerous programs in support of academic success of diverse populations, baccalaureate completion and integrating technology and instruction.
The national search committee was headed by Curt Lox, professor and associate dean of education at SIUE. "I want to express my sincere thanks to Dr. Lox and memners of the committee for their time and professionalism in bringing this search to a successful conclusion."
Ferguson also praised Associate Professor Bill Searcy, who has been serving as interim dean of the SIUE School of Education. "I'd like to especially thank Dr. Searcy for his dedicated service as interim dean this past year," Ferguson said. "Dr. Searcy provided critical leadership and insight during this time of transition for the School of Education."
6/1/07
Engineering Professors Receive $150K NSF Grant For Robotics
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Jerry Weinberg and William Yu, associate professors of Computer Science at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, in partnership with Kim Wheeler and Robin Knight of RoadNarrows LLC, have received a $150,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to create a "Brain Pack" for walking robots.
Since 1999, Weinberg, chair of the Department of Computer Science in the SIUE School of Engineering, and Yu have been instrumental in bringing middle school, high school and college students together from throughout the region to study robotics and participate in robotics competitions.
The NSF grant, "General Robot Controller for Legged Mobile Robots with Integrated Open Source Software," will help develop a computer backpack or "Brain Pack" for two-, four-, and six-legged robots for teaching science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) courses. "The Brain Pack will provide an easy to program computer controller that connects sensors, such as foot touch sensors, to give a robot the 'sense' of walking and a color camera to give the robot 'eyesight,'" Weinberg said.
"It will be a general controller that can be used on any legged robot, providing it with sensors and computing power that walking robots on the market currently do not have."
Hands-on robotics projects have become useful educational tools across a variety of subjects, Weinberg pointed out. "Robots are integrated systems comprised of interdependent electrical, mechanical, and computational components. Because of their multidisciplinary nature, the study of robotics in the classroom has become a valuable tool for the practical, hands-on application of concepts in various STEM topics at the K-12 and undergraduate educational levels.
"While there are wheeled robots that are easy to use for K-12 and undergraduate educators, there are no legged robot platforms with easy to use hardware and software," Weinberg said.
"The Brain Pack will have 'plug-and-play' sensors with straightforward software modules developed specifically for use in the classroom."
Weinberg recently organized the Greater St. Louis Botball Tournament conducted on the SIUE campus, where some 150 students, along with their teachers and parents from 11 schools in Missouri and Illinois, participated in the event. "This was a regional robotics competition for a national tournament conducted by the KISS Institute for Practical Robotics," Weinberg said.
"The event started with a student/teacher workshop on building and programming robots and ended in an exciting head-to-head tournament seven weeks later," Weinberg explained. This was the first regional robotics tournament held at SIUE and Weinberg plans to make it an annual event.
Kim Wheeler-Smith and Robin Knight are the co-founders of RoadNarrows LCC in Loveland, Colo. They earned engineering and mathematics degrees focused on robotics and computational intelligence, which led them to create a company to provide mobile robots to educators and researchers.
"The primary mission of RoadNarrows is to participate in the robotics revolution by developing, manufacturing, and offering hardware and software platforms for purchase to further technical education and to enable related research and development," Weinberg said.
"The partnership between SIUE and RoadNarrows is key to the successful development of the Brain Pack innovation. The educators at SIUE have considerable experience in developing curricula and software for using robots in the classroom, and RoadNarrows has similarly considerable experience in engineering and marketing robot hardware for educators.
For more information, contact Professor Weinberg, (618) 650-2368.
May 2007
·SIUE School of Nursing Alumni Friends Raise $14K At Annual Gala
·Engineering Professors Receive $150K NSF Grant For Robotics
·Changes; retirements
·SIUE East St. Louis Center Receives Grant For Upward Bound Programs
·SIUE Enters 'Blogosphere' For Sharing In Cyberspace
·Cougar Softball captures first Division II crown in its history
·SIUE Wins 2006-07 All-Sports Trophy, Commissioner's Cup
·Meridian Society Awards Nearly $17K To Community Groups
·SIUE School of Pharmacy Hosts Awards For Leaders, Students
·SIUE Construction Professor Wins FIATECH Award
SIUE Associate Professor Takes Green Roof Project To 'Extreme'
·High School Seniors Chosen As Chancellor, President Scholars
·Federal Reserve, SIUE, UMSL Collaborate To Offer Course
·SIBA Supports Contractors For SIUE Construction Institute
·SIUE Graduate From Wayne City Wins WSJ Award
·Two SIUE Students From Belleville Win Graduate Competitions
·SIUE Construction Management Students Win National Competition
·Engineering Student Team In Top Five At Regional Competition
·Housing Staff, Students Recognized Throughout Spring Semester
·May Employee Of The Month
·Four Companies Awarded $728,115 For Chemistry Lab Construction
·Engineering Faculty, Students Honored At Awards Banquet
·Local, Regional Teachers Recognized By School Of Education
· 2006-07 Undergraduate Research Academy Scholars Present Projects
Two Nationally Successful SIUE Alumni To Be Honored May 5
·SIUE Releases Greater St. Louis Regional Botball Results
5/25/07
SIUE School of Nursing Alumni & Friends Raise $14K At Annual Gala
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The third year for the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Nursing Excellence Gala raised more than $14,000 for student scholarships.
The money was raised at the SIUE School of Nursing Excellence Gala and Awards ceremony through a silent and a live auction. Nearly 250 University employees, students, alumni, administrators and health-care professionals turned out to bid on items such as distinctive artwork, sports tickets, fun getaway packages, private meals prepared by professional chefs and School of Nursing Dean Marcia Maurer's homemade Christmas cookies.
Four awards were presented at the event, including:
• Outstanding Hospital or Health Care Agency: Alton Memorial Hospital;
• Outstanding Friend to Nursing: Sam and Geri Winston;
• Outstanding SIUE School of Nursing Alumnus: Jim Cato
• Outstanding New SIUE School of Nursing Alumna: Gretchen Henderson.
5/25/07
Engineering Professors Receive $150K NSF Grant For Robotics
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Jerry Weinberg and William Yu, associate professors of Computer Science at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, in partnership with Kim Wheeler and Robin Knight of Road-Narrows LLC, have received a $150,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to create a "Brain Pack" for walking robots.
Since 1999, Weinberg, chair of the Department of Computer Science in the SIUE School of Engineering, and Yu have been instrumental in bringing middle school, high school and college students together from throughout the region to study robotics and participate in robotics competitions.
The NSF grant, "General Robot Controller for Legged Mobile Robots with Integrated Open Source Software," will help develop a computer backpack or "Brain Pack" for two-, four-, and six-legged robots for teaching science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) courses. "The Brain Pack will provide an easy to program computer controller that connects sensors, such as foot touch sensors, to give a robot the 'sense' of walking and a color camera to give the robot 'eyesight,'" Weinberg said.
"It will be a general controller that can be used on any legged robot, providing it with sensors and computing power that walking robots on the market currently do not have."
Hands-on robotics projects have become useful educational tools across a variety of subjects, Weinberg pointed out. "Robots are integrated systems comprised of interdependent electrical, mechanical, and computational components. Because of their multidisciplinary nature, the study of robotics in the classroom has become a valuable tool for the practical, hands-on application of concepts in various STEM topics at the K-12 and undergraduate educational levels.
"While there are wheeled robots that are easy to use for K-12 and undergraduate educators, there are no legged robot platforms with easy to use hardware and software," Weinberg said.
"The Brain Pack will have 'plug-and-play' sensors with straightforward software modules developed specifically for use in the classroom."
Weinberg recently organized the Greater St. Louis Botball Tournament conducted on the SIUE campus, where some 150 students, along with their teachers and parents from 11 schools in Missouri and Illinois, participated in the event. "This was a regional robotics competition for a national tournament conducted by the KISS Institute for Practical Robotics," Weinberg said.
"The event started with a student/teacher workshop on building and programming robots and ended in an exciting head-to-head tournament seven weeks later," Weinberg explained. This was the first regional robotics tournament held at SIUE and Weinberg plans to make it an annual event.
Kim Wheeler-Smith and Robin Knight are the co-founders of Road-Narrows LCC in Loveland, Colo. They earned engineering and mathematics degrees focused on robotics and computational intelligence, which led them to create a company to provide mobile robots to educators and researchers.
"The primary mission of Road-Narrows is to participate in the robotics revolution by developing, manufacturing, and offering hardware and software platforms for purchase to further technical education and to enable related research and development," Weinberg said.
"The partnership between SIUE and Road-Narrows is key to the successful development of the Brain Pack innovation. The educators at SIUE have considerable experience in developing curricula and software for using robots in the classroom, and RoadNarrows has similarly considerable experience in engineering and marketing robot hardware for educators.
For more information, contact Professor Weinberg, (618) 650-2368.
5/24/07
Changes
Retirements
- Catherine Banks, senior library specialist for Library and Information Services at Lovejoy Library, effective April 1, after more than 31 years.
- Linda Durrell, account tech in Finanical Affairs/Administrative Accounting, effective May 1, after more than five years.
- Diane Giger, secretary in the Office of the Chancellor, effective May 1, after 10 years.
- Rudolph Wilson, assistant provost for Cultural and Social Diversity, effective April 1, after nearly 38 years.
- Dennis Tate, lead plant operating engineer in Facilities Management, effective May 1, after nearly 29 years.
5/22/07
SIUE East St. Louis Center Receives Grant For Upward Bound Programs
The U.S. Department of Education has granted more than $870,000 to the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's Upward Bound programs, part of the federally funded TRIO programs offered at the SIUE East St. Louis Center.
The Upward Bound (EC) program received $565,548 to serve 150 students, while the Upward Bound (BEMV) program received $305,552 to serve 65 students, all throughout the 2007-08 academic year. Upward Bound is a college preparatory program serving low-income or potential first-generation college students who are currently in high school-EC serves students at East St. Louis Senior High School and at Cahokia High School, while BEMV serves students at Brooklyn High School, SIUE East St. Louis Charter School, Madison High School and Venice -Lincoln Technical Center.
Center Director Patricia Harrison said the Upward Bound program is a valuable resource in the community. "We are very excited about this news. Harrison said the Education grants for TRIO programs at the SIUE East St. Louis Center have been invaluable in providing more opportunities for students to graduate high school and enroll in higher education. "Some 80 percent of our students have entered post-secondary education," Harrison said.
Upward Bound participants receive free tutorial services in their college prep courses and are eligible to receive waivers for the SAT and ACT. Students in the program receive assistance in applying to college, and may receive six hours of college credit after successfully completing the programs. Afternoon sessions in mathematics, science, foreign language, computer study, and English are conducted at the East St. Louis Center. Students are assigned courses based on their high school class schedules.
5/22/07
SIUE Enters 'Blogosphere' For Sharing In Cyberspace
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has entered into the emerging social network of blogs (Web Logs) by allowing individuals to discuss their personal experiences and memories of SIUE on its Web site.
It's all part of the University's 50th Anniversary celebration, which begins officially with a "Founder's Day" celebration on Sept. 24. "We thought this would be a good opportunity to experiment with an emerging communication technology," said Barbara O'Malley, SIUE's executive director of marketing and communications and co-chair of the 50th anniversary planning committee.
"A blog is a tool for people to discuss what's important to them. It's a way for people to interact with each other-the University simply creates the communication vehicle to make it possible."
So far, people are blogging. Because bloggers can post confidential comments, it's not clear who they are. "We expect they are alumni, current students, faculty, and staff," O'Malley said. "However, the blog is open to everyone who might have a memory of SIUE. There are certainly many people who remember great times at the MRF (Mississippi River Festival), and that's what this blog site is for-it's for anyone to reminisce about their experiences with SIUE."
Dixie Engelman, chair of the 50th anniversary planning committee, said SIUE is a university that celebrates new ideas, experimentation, and continual learning and growth. "The 50th anniversary is an opportunity to examine exactly what that means," Engelman said. "We are planning many events in celebration of SIUE's great history.
"Because we are a relatively young University, we will honor the past and celebrate the present and the future."
She invited everyone to visit the University's Web site: www.siue.edu. "Discover some of the exciting 50th anniversary events being planned."
SIUE celebrates its 50th Anniversary in 2007-08. The University has grown from 1,776 students in 1957 to more than 13,500 students today. SIUE has been and continues to be a catalyst for the cultural and intellectual vitality and social, health, and economic development of Southwestern Illinois and the greater St. Louis region. SIUE is proud to celebrate its first half century of excellence.
5/21/07
Cougar Softball captures first Division II crown in its history; first athletics championship overall for SIUE since 1989
(AKRON, OHIO) Southern Illinois University Edwardsville captured its first NCAA Division II softball crown Monday with a 3-2 victory over Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania in 12 innings. It was the longest national championship game in history.
The SIUE Cougars won the 12-inning, three-hour, 15-minute marathon championship game at Firestone Stadium. The Cougars dethroned the defending national champion Lock Haven Lady Eagles with some strong pitching and timely hitting. "I'm extremely proud of my team. I said this the other day, and I'll say it again," said SIUE Coach Sandy Montgomery. "This team amazed me again today. They did not let down at any moment."
The national championship is the 17th in the history of SIUE Intercollegiate Athletics. SIUE has won two in men's soccer (1972, 1979), seven in men's tennis (1978 through 1984), three in wrestling (1984-85-86) and four in women's tennis (1986-87-88-89). The 1979 men's soccer team won the championship as a Division I program.
The Softball Cougars complete the season 49-8, winning its last 16 games. SIUE won the Great Lakes Valley Conference title, the NCAA Division II Great Lakes Regional championship, and now have a gold trophy for the national championship. "We peaked at the end of the season and played our best today," Montgomery said.
SIUE All-American pitcher Kaitlin Colosimo, 29-3, was named the Most Outstanding Player of the tournament after going nine innings in scoreless relief of starter Sabra McCune. Colosimo won three games in the national tournament, including a no-hitter Saturday over Lock Haven in a winner's bracket game. She also recorded a save against Cal State-Stanislaus.
Lock Haven, ranked No. 2 in the NFCA National Coaches Poll, traded runs early in the game with the Cougars, ranked fifth in the final regular season national poll. Lock Haven scored in the third and fourth innings. SIUE tallied runs in the fourth and sixth innings.
It was an Ashley Price RBI single in the top of the 12th inning, scoring Jodie Ohlau, that made the difference. SIUE rapped 13 hits off first team All-American Kristin Erb, who lost for the second time this season to SIUE in three days. Her record fell to 39-4 for the season.
The Cougars finished with four players on the All-Tournament team. Colosimo and Ohlau were joined by catcher Libby Lenart and shortstop Kaeleigh Rousey on the team.
The longest previous national title game was in 1991 when Augustana defeated Bloomsburg in 10 innings.
Photos 1 Cougar sports fans are at Kriegers Home Town Sports Grill in Edwardsville to watch the big game. (Photo by Bill Brinson)
5/16/07
SIUE Wins 2006-07 All-Sports Trophy, Commissioner's Cup
(INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.) Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Intercollegiate Athletics has won both the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) All-Sports Trophy and the Commissioner's Cup for the 2006-07 season, both prestigious awards.
In announcing the awards today, GLVC officials said the Cougars won the All-Sports Trophy with 141.5 points, the highest total points recorded in a single season since the award was conceived more than 25 years ago. SIUE took the trophy from two-time defending All-Sports winner Northern Kentucky.
The GLVC annually awards the All-Sports Trophy to the member institution with the best all-around performance in the league's 17 sponsored sports.
The Commissioner's Cup is awarded to the program that produces the overall best finish in the league's seven "core" sports. SIUE posted top five finishes in six of the seven sports that count in the Commissioner's Cup standings, including conference titles in men's soccer and softball. Also considered are volleyball, men's and women's basketball and baseball.
The Cougars garnered 78.5 points, outdistancing second-place finisher Northern Kentucky University by nine points.
SIUE was given approval earlier this year to apply for reclassification to NCAA Division I for all sports in the SIUE program. The University is currently transitioning to NCAA Division I status. "SIUE student-athletes are at the pinnacle of athletics success at the Division II level," said Brad Hewitt, director of Cougar Athletics.
"Winning both the GLVC All-Sports Trophy and the Commissioner's Cup is an amazing accomplishment and testament to the University's decision to enter the Division I arena," Hewitt said. "We are positioned to compete at the highest level, and I commend our incredible coaching staff and dedicated student-athletes on this achievement."
SIUE Intercollegiate Athletics claimed six Great Lakes Valley Conference Championships during the year, twice as many as Drury, its next closest competitor. The Cougars won titles in men's soccer, softball, men's indoor track and field, women's indoor track and field, men's outdoor track and field and women's outdoor track and field.
SIUE also posted strong finishes in baseball, men's golf, women's golf, men's tennis and volleyball.
The Cougars won the All-Sports Trophy once previously in the 1997-98 season, having first joined the GLVC in 1994. SIUE has been among the top four in the All-Sports Trophy scoring since joining the league. This is the first time the Cougars have won the coveted Commissioner's Cup.
The Cougars finished fourth overall nationally during the 2005-06 season among the NCAA Division II institutions in the U.S. Sports Academy Directors' Cup. During the 2006-07 season SIUE is currently among the top 16 nationally heading into the spring sports national championships.
SIUE has won 16 national championships in its history, including two in men's soccer (1972, 1979), seven in men's tennis (1978 through 1984), three in wrestling (1984-85-86) and four in women's tennis (1986-87-88-89). The 1979 men's soccer team won the championship as a Division I program.
5/11/07
Meridian Society Awards Nearly $17K To Community Groups
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) A women's philanthropic group that contributes donations annually to support worthwhile ventures awarded $16,800 to area children's groups with compelling outreach initiatives.
In its fourth year, the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Foundation's Meridian Society chose four causes to support. Awards were announced at a celebration, Salut! IV, held early this month at B. Barnard Birger Hall on the SIUE campus.
Projects that will benefit from this year's award designations include:
- The Clarion, the East St. Louis Charter High School's student newspaper, which received $4,500 for the continuation of a collaboration between SIUE faculty, Belleville News-Democrat staff and charter school students. According to the award application, the newspaper was established in 2006 to "foster students' active engagement with reading and writing; to provide students with opportunities to analyze and critique political and social systems, and to encourage students to present their work in public venues."
- A training program for teachers in Edwardsville School District No. 7 titled Fostering Understanding of the Arab World, which according to the award application is in response to the events of Sept. 11, 2001, and "…an effort to balance negative images and impressions bombarding our students each day…"
- A partnership between the Madison County Juvenile Detention Home and the SIU School of Dental Medicine, which allows dental students to interact with young people in need of care, but who do not have the means to pay for it. According to the award application, the Comprehensive Dentistry for the Youth of the Madison County Juvenile Detention Home program "…is an opportunity to provide a service that will have a lasting effect on the lives of these children."
- Sisters Obtaining Sisterhood through the SIUE East St. Louis Center, established through the center's arm of the federal TRIO program, aims to attract more minority women to SIUE and other postsecondary institutions. The award application states "We feel the Sisters Obtaining Sisterhood project will provide female guidance and input necessary for the target group to change their predisposition to avoid postsecondary education." TRIO programs are outreach initiatives that benefit low-income, first-generation college students, and students with disabilities.
Taking this year's donations into account, the society has provided community groups $72,826 in donations during the last four years. "This year appears to be the year for lasting impressions," said Executive Director of University Development Harold Melser, who added that all applicants submitted requests for funding to support "quality programs dedicated to community service and outreach."
The Meridian Society is guided by its mission: Engaging the Metropolitan St. Louis area and enhancing the University's national reputation for quality. Recipients are chosen each year from a pool of applicants.
5/11/07
SIUE School of Pharmacy Hosts Awards For Leaders, Students
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Two business leaders and a dozen students were honored recently at an awards ceremony hosted by the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy.
John Caldieraro of Staunton, a pharmacist for Sullivan Drug, received the 2007 Community Pharmacy Above and Beyond Preceptor of the Year Award, while John Chaney of Herrin, director of pharmacy for Herrin Hospital, garnered the 2007 Health System Pharmacy Above and Beyond Preceptor of the Year Award.
"We are fortunate to have the support of individuals, corporations and organizations that provide annual or endowed scholarships," said SIUE School of Pharmacy Dean Philip Medon.
A total of $16,000 was awarded to pharmacy students. Students and the awards they received included, second-year pharmacy students:
- Minh Tran of Aurora, the Shop 'n Save Scholarship and the Walgreens Student of the Year award;
- Brandon Hardiman of Robinson, the 2007 Shop 'N Save Scholarship;
- Matt Layman of Silvis, Paul "Ben" Erwin of Flora, Deonna Madison-Wooten of Madison, and Mary Janet Stunson of Elizabethtown, the 2007 CVS/pharmacy Scholarship;
- Diana Jason of Buffalo Grove, a 2007 CVS/pharmacy Scholarship and the Charles Dragovich Scholarship;
- Jessica Taylor of St. Louis and Maggie Rodeffer of La Harpe, the 2007 National Association of Chain Drug Stores Scholarship;
- Jeremy Hanon of Highland, the 2007 Metro East Pharmacy Association Scholarship;
- Kunjal Bhakta of Springfield, the 2007 Association of Indian Pharmacists of America Scholarship.
First-year pharmacy student Jessica Graham of Washington, Mo., took the 2007 Wal-Mart Scholarship and the Southern Illinois Scholarship.
"The Scholarship Awards program is a way to recognize outstanding students, to thank scholarship sponsors for their generosity, and to introduce them to the student receiving their scholarship," said Terri Andrews, the School of Pharmacy's director of development. "These awards provide deserving SIUE students the opportunity to receive an outstanding pharmacy education."
The only pharmacy program in southern Illinois, SIUE's School of Pharmacy provides a professional program leading to the doctor of pharmacy degree. Faculty, students and staff are committed to collaborating with rural and urban health care institutions to meet the health care needs of the region.
Current knowledge and technology guide the direction of the school's innovative curriculum.
5/10/07
SIUE Construction Professor Wins FIATECH Award
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Christopher B. Gordon, assistant professor of Construction in the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Engineering, recently was awarded the Celebration of Engineering and Technology Innovation (CETI) Outstanding Mind Award from Fully Integrated and Automated TECHnology (FIATECH).
Gordon was recognized at the CETI Awards Gala in Washington, D.C., last month. FIATECH is a non-profit consortium that sponsors and conducts research development and demonstration of fully integrated and automated project processes to improve the effectiveness of capital facilities construction.
The Outstanding Mind category recognizes the contributions of graduate students in their research. Gordon was nominated for his doctoral work in developing computational approaches to support decisions about a full range of inspection approaches that may be implemented on construction sites. Gordon's entry was titled, "Computational approach to support decisions about the full range of possible inspection approaches." Gordon earned a doctorate in civil and environmental engineering at Carnegie Mellon University and joined the faculty of SIUE in January of this year.
At SIUE, Gordon teaches courses in computer applications in construction, construction management, and constructions methods and materials. "The construction industry is beginning to benefit from an influx of emerging sensor technologies on construction sites, particularly for construction inspection" Gordon explained.
"At the same time, we increasingly face the challenge of choice, as we struggle with decisions about which sensors to select, and how to best use them. All the different options of what, when, where, and how to deploy sensors on construction sites, be they laser scanners or embedded temperature sensors, form a rich and vast search space," he said.
"We need to employ search methods, such as the ones I employed in my Ph.D. research, to rapidly explore the full range of inspection options and support our decisions about construction inspection."
5/10/07
SIUE Associate Professor Takes Green Roof Project To 'Extreme'
(PINON, Ariz.) In a small community, about 150 miles northeast of Flagstaff, Ariz., in the desert sun, sat an old single-wide trailer home with no amenities-no running water, no insulation, no working bathroom facilities, no water heater, and holes in the ceiling and floors.
It was at this house that an idea was born: An extreme idea. A Navajo Nation youth, inspired by the principles of his traditions-living on what the land provides and not wasting material resources-developed a solar heater to provide necessary amenities for his family.
The folks at the ABC-TV network show Extreme Makeover: Home Edition wanted to take these teachings a step further, and take a greater role in making an impact on the family. Enlisting the help of a building contracting team and about 800 volunteers, the Extreme Makeover crew constructed a "green" home for the family.
The home is powered by sun and wind and as part of the "green" features, a St. Louis company, Green Roof Blocks, was asked to provide a green roof for three portions of the home's roof-about 35 percent of the roof's expanse.
And, a Southern Illinois University Edwardsville biology professor assisted in the project. "My research collaborators, Green Roof Blocks, were asked by ABC to put a green roof on this home that they were trying to turn into a "green" home, or, an environmentally friendly home," said Associate Professor Bill Retzlaff, a member of the SIUE Biological Sciences faculty and chair of that department.
Retzlaff also is coordinator of SIUE's Green Roof Environmental Evaluation
Network (G.R.E.E.N.) and part of its research team. "I joined our installation team from St. Louis in Arizona to place a modular green roof system on the project home in a seven-hour period on a recent Sunday afternoon," he said.
Retzlaff was joined on the project by green roof consultants and research colleagues Kelly Luckett, president of Green Roof Blocks, a division of St. Louis Metalworks, Mike Crowell vice-president of St. Louis Metalworks, and Vic Jost of Jost Greenhouses, Des Peres, Mo.
"We also placed a green roof on a storage shed, which contains all the water tanks for the home's solar hot water heater."
Retzlaff continued: "Green roof installation involves arranging specially engineered roofing systems containing growing medium and plants as components to new or existing roofing projects. This allows building owners to realize the environmental benefits of using a green roof on the tops of buildings and homes.
"The use of a green roof in place of traditional roofing has the potential to cut electric costs, reduce storm water runoff, and promote a healthier environment."
The segment is scheduled to air on Sunday May 27 on ABC TV at 8pm/7pm central time.
5/10/07
High School Seniors Chosen As Chancellor, Presidential Scholars
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Several high school seniors from around the state have accepted Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Chancellor's Scholarships and Presidential Scholarships to enter SIUE in fall. Each year, SIUE makes available 20 Chancellor Scholarships and 11 Presidential Scholarships, both of which cover tuition, fees, and room and board for four years.
The Chancellor's Scholars Program offers scholarships to students with strong academic ability and a record of personal achievement, leadership and service, while the Presidential Scholars recognizes entering freshmen interested in special academic opportunities as undergraduate students.
"We offer a wide range of scholarships and study opportunities for academically strong students," said Scott Belobrajdic, SIUE's assistant vice chancellor for Enrollment Management.
Belobrajdic said that once these high achievers enroll at SIUE, they will find academic programs that continually challenge their academic and intellectual abilities. "SIUE offers programs that will put these students in a position to take charge of their education, and create a curriculum that will prepare them to excel in the next phase of their lives."
SIUE offers a quality, affordable education with a broad choice of degrees and programs, ranging from career-oriented fields of study to the essential, more traditional, liberal arts. With a strong faculty, small class sizes, and an active campus life, SIUE attracts top academic students through its ability to provide a high-quality learning environment and scholarship opportunities.
Additional information about scholarship opportunities is available on-line: www.admissions.siue.edu/honors.
Recipients are listed below with their high school in alphabetical order by hometown. Click on the name for a photo suitable for print.
Presidential Scholars
ILLINOIS
- Bloomington: Stephanie Jankowski, University High School
- Brighton: Sarah Trombetta, Southwestern High School
- Edwardsville: Melissa Cook, Edwardsville High School
- Hillsboro: Nathan Billington, Hillsboro High School
- Springfield: Antonette Palumbo, Rochester High School
- Swansea: Linden Graber, Belleville East Township High School
- Ursa: Keith Stewart, Unity High School
- West Peoria: Renee Dow, Manual High School
Chancellor's Scholars
ILLINOIS
- Bethalto: Harry Zollars, Civic Memorial High School
- Centralia: Joel Bauza, Centralia High School
- Dawson: Alisha Abbott, Tri City High School
- Gillespie: Brittany Zehr, Gillespie High School
- Jacob: Karen Kettner, TriCo High School
- Lewistown: Hannah Kline, Lewistown High School
- Lincoln: Brandon Rahn (no photo available), Lincoln Community High School
- Newton: Jena Cummins, Newton Community High School
- Pekin: Amy Apa, Pekin Community High School
- Pinckneyville: Robert Heisner, Pinckneyville High School
- Quincy: Mitchell Fairley, Quincy High School
- Springfield: Margaret Sherer, Springfield High School
- Staunton: Kenneth Long, Staunton High School
MISSOURI
- Defiance: Sarah Jacobsen, Francis Howell High School
- Farmington: Nicholas Horn, Farmington High School
- St. Louis: Meredith Niemeyer, Notre Dame High School
KANSAS
Overland Park: Taylor Sibala, Blue Valley Northwest High School
5/9/07
Federal Reserve, SIUE, UMSL Collaborate To Offer Course
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Business, along with the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis and the University of Missouri-St. Louis are collaborating to offer a course, "Making Sense of Money & Banking," for elementary and secondary educators.
SIUE's Mary Anne Pettit, Barbara Flowers of UM-St. Louis, and the St. Louis Federal Reserve Bank staff will be teaching this seven-day course for educators interested in integrating money and banking into their coursework. Teachers attending the course will earn three graduate hours toward certificate renewal plans.
Pettit, associate director of Economic Education at SIUE, said, "All teachers attending will receive training and Virtual Economics-a CD collection of strategies and materials for all grade levels." Attendees not only receive the CD, they also receive lesson plans, videos and publications to assist them in their own classrooms.
The course will be offered June 18-22 and 26-27 from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Federal Reserve Bank building in downtown St. Louis. Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided daily, compliments of the St. Louis Federal Reserve. For more information, contact Mary Anne Pettit in the Office of Economic Education and Business Research at SIUE, (618) 650-2583, or by e-mail: mpettit@siue.edu.
5/9/07
SIBA Supports Contractors For SIUE Construction Institute
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Tim Garvey, executive director of the Southern Illinois Building Association (SIBA), has announced the successful completion of two area contractors in the 2007 Construction Leadership Institute at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
Sponsored by SIBA's Southern Illinois Construction Advancement Program, the contractors are Yvonne M. Hollingsead, of HS Contractors Inc. in South Roxana, and Dan J. Suarez, of B. Garcia Trucking in Fairmont City. SIBA's support covered the cost of tuition for Hollingsead and Suarez's participation in the institute.
The SIUE Construction Leadership Institute is a unique collaborative program developed by a steering committee of area construction industry executives and the SIUE Schools of Business and Engineering. The program is designed to assist managers in the construction industry to develop and enhance their leadership skills, and to provide the knowledge, framework, and strategy individuals need to lead in today's challenging business environment in the construction industry.
The Institute's innovative curriculum features instruction by industry practitioners and experts, and university faculty who apply theory to practical problem-solving and decision-making skills. The program focuses on managing risk factors of construction projects in order to maximize profitability and minimize costs.
Participants learn key management strategies important to their futures as corporate leaders, including legal issues, human resource issues and financial issues; aligning the organization to identify new business opportunities; and anticipating and responding to future developments, including economic and workforce trends.
SIBA's support helps promote the growth of emerging contractors in the Metro East. For information about the program, call (618) 650-2668, or email: executived@siue.edu.
Click here for photo of Yvonne Hollingsead and Dan Suarez.
5/9/07
SIUE Graduate From Wayne City Wins WSJ Award
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Jill M. Bernard, of Wayne City, a recent graduate of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, has been honored with the Wall Street Journal Student Achievement Award. Bernard earned an MBA from the SIUE School of Business.
The Wall Street Journal Student Achievement Award is a collaborative effort between the Journal and participating institutions to honor exceptional students. Each participating college or university may nominate one student every year.
Interim SIUE Business School Dean Tim Schoenecker said, "The Wall Street Journal Student Achievement Award is recognized by our faculty and students as representing outstanding student accomplishments. Jill has been a dedicated student and graduate assistant during her time at SIUE, and she is very deserving of this recognition as an outstanding student."
Bernard earned a bachelor of science in business administration at Fontbonne University in St. Louis, with a concentration in marketing, in 2005. During her undergraduate career at Fontbonne, she received the Outstanding Business Administration Student and The Dunham Student Athlete awards. Bernard, who gave the student address at Fontbonne's commencement, also is a member of Delta Mu Delta, the national business honor society, and Kappa Gamma Pi, the national Catholic honor society.
"I feel so honored to have received such an amazing award," Bernard said. "My professors have offered a tremendous amount of encouragement and support, and I am very blessed to have had the opportunity to study and learn here at SIUE."
The Wall Street Journal presented Bernard with a complete student award package including a commemorative award medallion; a one-year subscription to the Wall Street Journal; a congratulatory letter; and a published listing of Bernard's name in a full-page announcement in the Journal.
The SIUE School of Business is among an elite 15 percent of business schools worldwide that have earned the prestigious seal of approval from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). The SIUE School of Business has been AACSB accredited since 1975. This assures that students receive the highest quality standards relating to strategic management of resources, interactions of faculty and students in the education process, and achievement of learning goals in degree programs.
Click here for photo of SIUE Interim Business School Dean Tim Schoenecker presenting the award to Jill Bernard
5/9/07
Two SIUE Students From Belleville Win Graduate Competitions
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Two Southern Illinois University Edwardsville students from Belleville, one a recent graduate and the other working toward a graduate degree, are winners in two academic competitions in the SIUE Graduate School.
William Rable is recipient of the Outstanding Thesis Award, while Robert Ayllon received the Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant Award.
Ayllon was nominated for his work in the Department of Music where he has duties in both the keyboard and vocal areas. He is working toward a master of music in collaborative piano. Ayllon has taught classes and assisted as pianist for the SIUE Opera Workshop, and in preparing student recitals and juries.
He was nominated by Linda Perry, Darryl Coan, and Prince Wells, all faculty members in the SIUE Department of Music, and by Kent Neely, dean of the SIUE College of Arts and Sciences.
Last year, Rable received a master's in English and American Literature from the University. His thesis topic was "The Germanic Culture of War: Warrior Ethos, Nature, Eroticism, Women, and Religion in Beowulf, Parzival, and World War I-Era Poetry." In it, Rable considered whether Germanic attitudes toward the subjects mentioned in the thesis title, and expressed in the context of war, either changed or remained constant through the ages.
Allison Funk, John Pendergast, and Jeff Skoblow, all faculty members in the SIUE Department of English Language and Literature, served on Rable's thesis committee.
As a result of the award, Rable's thesis also was submitted to the Midwest Association of Graduate Schools Distinguished Master's Thesis Award Selection Committee.
5/9/07
SIUE Construction Management Students Win National Competition
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Two construction management students-through the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Engineering-received national honors during a recent competition in Atlanta.
Oliver Coulson, a senior from Troy, and Suzanne Shaffer, a junior from Ellis Grove, placed first in the Highest Ultimate Load-to-Weight Ratio category of the American Concrete Institute Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) competition. More than 20 teams participated from universities around the world.
Coulson and Shaffer constructed a "beam" using FRP rebar and lightweight concrete arranged in a truss, or support device, configuration. The rebar is a composite material made from glass fiber in a vinyl ester matrix.
A carbon fiber/epoxy composite grid also was used to reinforce the concrete. The team performed multiple design repetitions prior to the competition to increase the effectiveness of the structure.
5/9/07
Engineering Student Team In Top Five At Regional Competition
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) A team of students from the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Engineering recently took fifth place among 28 teams at the Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Region 5 Robotics Competition in Fayetteville, Ark.
The team consisted of electrical and computer engineering students, Tim McCullough and Ben Spiller, and two computer science students, Philip Klinefelter and Britian Oates.
The competition involved designing, building and programming an autonomous robot representing a space ship to navigate a "solar system" arena. The robot was sent directions and commands as to where it was to go and what tasks it had to accomplish. Each entrant had three minutes in which to complete a turn.
The SIUE team's robot navigated an 8-foot-square arena, searching for cans of a specified color, then delivering the cans to specially marked regions of the same color.
SIUE has participated in this competition for more than 10 years. George Engel, professor in electrical and computer engineering, and Jerry Weinberg, associate professor of computer science and chair of that department, were faculty co-advisers.
Click here for a close-up of the SIUE team's robot
5/8/07
Housing Staff, Students Recognized Throughout Spring Semester
(EDWARDSVILLE,Ill.) Several residential students and University Housing staffers have been recognized this past semester for excellence in service and programming.
Student leaders in the Residence Housing Association (RHA) were in the spotlight at the Great Lakes Association of College and University Residence Halls (GLACURH) "no frills" conference/business meeting in Milwaukee, Wis., earlier this year. The SIUE association was selected as the region's "Building RHA of the Year". The award recognized the group for making significant steps in the development of their RHA from the previous year.
The GLACURH region includes colleges and universities in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Ontario, Canada.
SIUE, along with seven other regional winners, will compete for a national award at the National Association of College and University Residence Halls (NACURH) conference next month in Oshkosh, Wis. The "Building RHA of the Year" award nomination was written by Megan Sage, the National Communications Coordinator for RHA.
The SIUE delegation played host to the Illinois Residence Hall Association (IRHA) conference on the SIUE campus earlier this year. In addition to planning and playing host for the entire event, 17 residents attended and took home the "Most Outstanding Roll Call" (a skit announcing the members of the delegation) and "Most Spirited Delegation" (earning points for participating in different contests) awards.
The delegation also was honored for presenting four program sessions, two of which received the "Top Ten Program" award, and raised $170 for the World Wildlife Foundation. The two "Top Ten Program" awards were earned by Alexis Laughhunn of Cougar Village. First-year student Emily Wilken of Bluff Hall was named the IHRA "Rookie of the Year" for outstanding involvement in the organization. As a result, she was nominated for the "First Year Experience" award at the upcoming NACURH conference.
Another GLACURH award was given to Kara Wright, chief clerk in the SIUE Central Housing Office. Nominated by Bluff Hall Director Matt Crouse, the "Spotlight of the Month" award for February recognizes the work of housing staff members who do not directly advise student organizations. "Her dedication to students, parents, and other staff members helps the behind-the-scenes operation run smoothly," Crouse said. As a result, Wright has been nominated at the national level and will be considered at the NACURH conference next month.
Locally, Kelly Bisso, a resident assistant (RA) in Prairie Hall, was chosen as "Student Employee of the Year" at SIUE. Bisso was nominated by Lisa Israel, assistant director for Residential Education, who said "Kelly has sincerely gone above and beyond with her responsibilities. Not only does she complete all of the requirements set forth by the RA position, she also takes the time to generously give back to the community." Bisso was recognized at a ceremony last month.
Two Housing staff members were honored at the recent joint meeting of College Student Educators International/American College Personnel Association (ACPA) and the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators conducted earlier this year in Orlando, Fla.
Scott Gluntz, associate director of University Housing, was recognized as the "Outstanding Experienced Professional" by the ACPA's Commission for Housing and Residential Life. This award is given to an individual with 10 or more years of professional employment who has demonstrated outstanding contributions to her/his campus and/or the housing profession. Gluntz has been employed at SIUE since 1994.
Also recognized was Linda Ellis, secretary in Bluff Hall, with the "Excellence in Service" award presented to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding contributions to her/his campus and/or the housing profession. Ellis has been with SIUE since 2003.
5/8/07
May Employee Of The Month
Congratulations: Gayla Bruning, assistant director of Foundation Giving and Research for University Relations, is recipient of the May Employee Recognition Award. Bruning (center) is shown here flanked by Theresa Mitchell, director of Prospect Research, and Karen Hertz, a specialist in University Advancement and Operations, both of whom nominated Bruning for the award. At far left is Gary Giamartino, interim vice chancellor for University Relations, and at far right is Kenn Neher, vice chancellor for Administration. In addition to the plaque she received, Bruning was awarded a $25 gift certificate to the SIUE Bookstore, a parking spot close to her office for one month, and two complimentary lunch coupons to the University Restaurant. (SIUE Photo by Denise Macdonald)
5/8/07
Four Companies Awarded $728,115 For Chemistry Lab Construction
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has awarded $728,115 in contracts to four Southwestern Illinois companies for construction of two instructional chemistry laboratories in the existing Biotechnology Laboratory Incubator, located in SIU Edwardsville's University Park. The labs will be paid for through current University operating funds.
The contracts were awarded by the SIU Board of Trustees Executive Committee to keep the project moving forward. The full board gave the committee permission to award the bids to complete the project before the fall term begins.
Contracts went to G.L. Warren Construction, Edwardsville, $334,915, for general construction; Pyramid Electrical Contractors, Fairview Heights, $93,980, for electrical; France Mechanical Corp., Edwardsville, $99,750, for plumbing; and Hock Mechanical, Belleville, $199,470, for ventilation.
The new labs will help address the growing backlog of students who require chemistry lab time. Plans call for a total of 1,800 gross square feet of space in two teaching labs, restrooms, a support office, a student lounge and a lab prep room. Each of the labs will accommodate up to 20 students.
5/7/07
Engineering Faculty, Students Honored At Awards Banquet
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Several faculty in the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Engineering were honored recently, along with junior and senior engineering students, at the SIUE School of Engineering Awards Banquet.
An audience of more than 260 gathered in SIUE's Meridian Ballroom as University and School administrators, faculty, staff, students and friends of the School of Engineering celebrated and honored outstanding teachers, and juniors and seniors by department.
Brad Noble, associate professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, was recognized as the Outstanding Teacher of the School and also recognized for his winning of the SIUE Teaching Excellence Award for 2006-07.
Also recognized at the banquet were Brad Cross, professor of Civil Engineering, who had earlier this year received the prestigious 2006-07 SIU Paul Simon Outstanding Scholar Award, and Steve Klein, instructor in the Department of Computer Science, who received the 2006-07 SIUE Teaching Distinction Award.
Other faculty receiving School of Engineering Outstanding Teacher Awards included: Mark Rossow, professor of Civil Engineering and chair of that department; Xudong Yu, associate professor of Computer Science; Kerry Slattery, assistant professor of Construction; Luis Youn, professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering; H. Felix Lee, professor of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering; and Majid Molki, professor of Mechanical Engineering.
School of Engineering alumna M. Kay Guse, who earned a bachelor of science in Industrial Engineering from SIUE in 1988 and a master of Engineering Management from Washington University in 1993, was the keynote speaker. Guse, who is engineering manager of the Analysis and Integration IPT for Global Strike Systems at The Boeing Company, shared her thoughts about "Engineering Responsibilities and Rewards" with the guests.
Attendees also saw 20 individuals participate in the engineers' Order of the Ring Induction Ceremony.
5/8/07
Local, Regional Teachers Recognized By School Of Education
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Several teachers from throughout the region were recognized for education excellence by the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Education.
The dozen teachers-from elementary, middle and high schools-were given the awards at a ceremony conducted in the Hickory-Hackberry Room, on the second floor of SIUE's Morris University Center. Each of the educators won a cash prize and were presented the awards by SIUE Provost Paul Ferguson and Education Interim Dean Bill Searcy.
The winners and their schools are listed below by category; click on each name for a photo:
Elementary Education (K-3)
- Joann Elliott, Highland (IL) Primary School
- Tiffany Hanslow, Brighton (IL) West Elementary
- Mary Jane Hilden, Delores Moye Elementary, O'Fallon
Middle School/Junior High
- Dale Shaw, Highland (IL) Middle School
- Martha McFarland, Lincoln Middle School, Edwardsville
- Patricia Berry, Coulterville (IL) Junior High School
Mathematics (9-12)
- Lori Schieppe, O'Fallon (IL) Township High School
- Scott Hagin, Edwardsville (IL) High School
- James Loyet, Belleville (IL) East Township High School
Special Education (K-12)
- Robyn Lewis, Belleville (IL) East Township High School
- Timothy Burns, Granite City (IL) High School
- Linda Malone, Liberty Middle School, Edwardsville
5/4/07
2006-07 Undergraduate Research Academy Scholars Present Projects
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Some Southern Illinois University Edwardsville undergraduate students recently shared their findings from research projects that usually would be assigned to graduate students at the 2006-07 symposium of the SIUE Undergraduate Research Academy.
A total of 15 students were named Undergraduate Research Academy scholars. The upperclassmen-juniors and seniors-focused on dimensions relating to their major areas of study. URA students worked closely with faculty, and were assisted by academic departments and faculty mentors.
This year's presenting scholars, majors, topics and mentors were:
ILLINOIS
Bartelso: Jenna Toennies, Biological Sciences/Mechanical Engineering, Comparison of Feeding and Jumping in the Northern Leopard Frog, Rana pipiens, with mentors Rick Essner, assistant professor of Biological Sciences and Majid Molki, professor of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering;
Benld: Brandy Olroyd, Special Education and Communication Disorders (Speech Language Pathology and Audiology), Recording and Analyzing the Speech of Persons with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis to Create Customized Speech Recognition Technology, with mentor Melanie Brimer, assistant professor of Special Education and Communication Disorders;
Caseyville: Brittany Marron, Civil Engineering, A Comparison of Sentencing in Vehicular Homicides Resulting from Impaired and Non-impaired Driving, with mentor Greg Luttrell, assistant professor of Civil Engineering;
East Alton: Jesse Gernigin, English Language and Literature, A Socioculture Categorization, Evaluation and Analysis of Changes in Application of Humor in Salman Rushdie's Novels, with mentor Jeffrey Skoblow, professor of English Language and Literature;
East St. Louis: Marquetta Brown, Psychology, Behavioral Consequences of Self-Oppression for African-Americans: Relationship among African Self-Consciousness, Self-Responsibility, and Life Satisfaction, with mentor Michael Dudley, assistant professor of Psychology;
Edwardsville: Erin Marks, Anthropology, Who Fed Cahokia?, with mentor Julie Holt, assistant professor of Anthropology; Ross Mead, Computer Science, Impromptu Teams of Heterogeneous Mobile Robots, with mentor Jerry Weinberg, associate professor and chair of Computer Science;
Godfrey: James Stice, Art and Design (Metal smithing), The Plasticity of Metal and Its Use in Creating Organic Form, with mentor Paulette Myers, professor of Art and Design;
Jacksonville: Natasha Coats, Theater and Dance, with an emphasis in Dance; Making a Ballet into a Contemporary Work, with mentor Mikey Thomas, instructor in Theater and Dance;
Mascoutah: Andrew "A.J." Givens, Political Science, The Impact of Failed States on Terrorism in the Middle East, with Denise DeGarmo, assistant professor of Political Science;
Rochelle: A. Brad Duthie, Biological Sciences, The Effects of Seed Dormancy and Mass on Germination and Viability in the Federally Threatened Floodplain Species, Boltania decurrens, with mentor Marian Smith, professor of Biological Sciences;
Springfield: Elise Berger, Biological Sciences, A Study of the Isonymy Structure of Historical Madison County, with mentor Luci Kohn, assistant professor of Biological Sciences; Kim Taylor, Speech Communication, Facebook: Applications for Faculty/Staff, with mentor Lesa Stern, associate professor of Speech Communication; and David Wiatrolik, Civil Engineering, Determining the Relationship Between Bicycle Tire Friction Factors and Surface Debris, with mentor Greg Luttrell, assistant professor of Civil Engineering;
MISSOURI
Arnold: Leia Zumbro, Art and Design (Metal smithing), Exploring Iron as a Small Scale Jewelry Element, with mentor Paulette Myers, professor of Art and Design.
Each award recipient worked for two consecutive semesters on the project and received a budget of up to $800, plus a personal monetary award, tuition assistance and graduation with honors.
For more information on the programs through the Office of Undergraduate Assessment and Program Review, call (618) 650-2640.
5/4/07
Two Nationally Successful SIUE Alumni To Be Honored May 5
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) During its May 5 commencement ceremonies, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville will honor a long-time White House correspondent who was one of the first Mass Communications majors at SIUE, and the CEO of a national firm, who also is an SIUE alumnus.
The SIU Board of Trustees today approved the Distinguished Service Award for Robert McClellan, president and CEO of Hortica Inc. who holds a bachelor's in math and business as well as an MBA from SIUE, and an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters for CBS Radio News White House correspondent Peter Maer, a member of the 1970 SIUE graduation class which included the first graduates of the University's Mass Communications program.
Maer has covered the White House for more than 20 years-first for the NBC/Mutual Radio network and since 1998 for CBS Radio News. He has reported on every political convention, campaign and election since 1980, encompassing five presidents.
His assignments have taken him throughout the country and to nearly 40 countries, covering several disasters during his tenure, including Three Mile Island and the Mexico City earthquake of 1985. Maer was at the White House when the terrorist attacks occurred Sept. 11, 2001. He also was part of a team for CBS Radio News that won the Edward R. Murrow Award for its reporting on the first anniversary of the attacks.
Still at the White House, Maer now specializes in reporting on matters of Homeland Security, During his storied career, Maer also has provided coverage of President Clinton's impeachment proceedings, for which he also won a Murrow, honored four times with the Merriman Smith Memorial Award for "Presidential Coverage Under Deadline Pressure" and has received a first place Overseas Press Club Award for his 1986 Reagan-Gorbachev Summit reporting.
Maer also won the Scripps-Howard Award and the National Radio Festival Award for documentaries on President Clinton's race initiative.
McClellan was an adjunct faculty member at SIUE from 1978-1985 in the SIUE School of Business and also held the Management Information Services director position at SIUE until 1987. He joined Hortica, Inc., (then Florists' Mutual Insurance) in 1987 as a vice president of Management Information Systems. He was later promoted to Senior Vice President. Before he was named company president and CEO in 1994, he was executive vice president and CEO.
When Edwardsville High School required assistance with its new technology plan during the 1996 school year, McClellan worked with district administrators on the plan, providing consultation and financial resources in the purchase of new computers for the school's computer lab.
He received the 1997 Albert Cassens Community Service Award from the Edwardsville and Glen Carbon Chamber of Commerce, which is given to an "active and upstanding citizen" within the community who gives freely of their time.
Throughout his career, McClellan has been an active member of numerous boards and community groups. He has served, or is currently serving, on The Alliance of Edwardsville & Glen Carbon board, the board of directors of Home Nursery Inc., the governing board of Economics America, the executive board of the Boy Scouts of America, Trails West Council, the SIUE Foundation Board, the Lewis & Clark Community College Foundation Board, the SIUE School of Engineering IPAC Board, the Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois Board, and the University Park Board.
In addition, he has been a member, or is currently a member, of the Missouri Botanical Garden-Gardens of SIUE Steering Committee, Shaw's Garden East, the Great Rivers Research Project Advisory Team, the I-55 Corridor Study Project Management Team, the Mid-America Airport Cargo Steering Committee, the American Tree Farmers Association and the American Association of Nurserymen, also serving as Chair of the American Association of Nurserymen's Automated Information Committee.
McClellan was instrumental in coordinating Hortica's most recent gift to The Gardens at SIUE. He literally "rolled up his sleeves" and carried the plantings and flowers donated by Hortica to the very successful Lincoln Academy Celebration on campus in 2005.
5/3/07
SIUE Releases Greater St. Louis Regional Botball Results
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) An Edwardsville Catholic grade school took first place overall in the recent 2007 Greater St. Louis Regional Botball Tournament conducted at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and sponsored by the SIUE School of Engineering.
In addition to the overall win among a total of 11 teams with more than 150 middle and high school students from Missouri and Illinois, the team from St. Mary's Catholic Grade School in Edwardsville took first place in the double elimination portion of the competition.
Meanwhile, the Edwardsville High School team came in third overall and the team from Liberty Middle School, also in Edwardsville, won third in the seeding round.
"This is the second year in a row that the St. Mary's team won their regional," said Jerry Weinberg, associate professor of computer science at SIUE and coordinator of the event. St. Mary's entry featured a two-robot combination. One robot successfully "saved" houses by collecting them and placing umbrella roofs on top. The second robot scooped up "lava" from the volcano and deposited it on their opponent's side.
During the competition, teams scrambled to prepare their "island" in the path of a nearby rumbling "volcano." Robots were programmed to harvest pineapples, compost leaves, place rooftops on houses, and clear away lava (game elements made of small pompons and PVC pipe).
"The final match between St. Mary's and Hazelwood (MO) West High School was close as both had similar strategies for saving houses," Weinberg pointed out. "In a bold move, Hazelwood added a second robot to block St. Mary's lava collecting robot. Unfortunately it took a bad turn and was unable to complete its goal." Autonomous robots designed and built by 11 teams from middle and high schools in Illinois and Missouri competed head-to-head in the tournament.
"In addition to designing and building robots, teams also had to document their design, strategy and progress, Weinberg said. "The documentation scores were added to the competition scores to determine the overall winner." The first place winner of the documentation award went to Columbia (IL) High School.
Final three places are shown below by category:
Overall Winners:
- 1st place: St. Mary's Middle School, Edwardsville, IL
- 2nd place: Hazelwood West High School, Hazelwood, MO
- 3rd place: Edwardsville High School, Edwardsville, IL
Double Elimination Winners:
- 1st place: St. Mary's Middle School, Edwardsville, IL
- 2nd place: Hazelwood West High School, Hazelwood, MO
- 3rd place: Edwardsville High School, Edwardsville, IL
Documentation Winners:
- 1st place: Columbia High School, Columbia, IL
- 2nd place: Parkway North High School, Creve Coeur, MO
- 3rd place: Highland High School, Highland, IL
Seeding Rounds Winners:
- 1st place: St. Mary's Middle School, Edwardsville, IL
- 2nd place: Hazelwood West High School, Hazelwood, MO
- 3rd place: Liberty Middle School, Edwardsville, IL
For more information contact Jerry Weinberg, (618) 650-2368.
Click here for photo of two members of St. Mary's winning team: Chris Haas and Ashlin Grover, both sixth graders. (Photo by SIUE Engineering professor Bernard Waxman)
April 2007
·Area High School Students Honored In SIUE Writing Contest
·2007 SIUE Excellence in Teaching Awards Banquet Set For May 1
·Institutional Research And Studies Director Named At SIUE
·Volunteers Plant 'Medicinal Garden' For SIUE School of Pharmacy
·SIUE School of Pharmacy Student Receives National Honor
· SIUE Students To Plant Trees Today, Enjoy Fresh Air Tour
·SIUE Celebrates Arbor Day At The Gardens With Volunteers, Leaders
·St. Louis Regional Botball Tournament Rolls Into SIUE
·Mechanical Engineering Senior Assignments To Be Presented Thursday
·Sociology, Criminal Justice Clubs To Stage Event At SIUE
·UM-St. Louis Professor To Speak At SIUE Education Conference Friday
·SIU School of Dental Medicine Dean, Students Receive Honors
·Chancellor Vandegrift Addresses Students, Faculty , Staff At Candle Lighting Ceremony
·SIUE SECA Campaign Was Recognized Today In Springfield
·Poets, Writers, Community Ensemble Highlight April 28 Event
·Several Illinois Residents Are Recipients Of SIUE Kimmel Award
·SIUE Student From Springfield Wins Kimmel Scholarship
·SIUE Senior Project Showcase Recognition Event Slated
·2nd Annual Accounting Awareness Program Set For June 13-15
·SIUE Student From St. Peters Honored With Enterprise Award
·ELITE Organization Honored By Enterprise
·April Employee Of The Month
·SIUE Student From Matteson Honored With Enterprise Award
·School of Business Professor Receives Boeing Welliver Fellowship
·BOT Awards Contracts, Approves Projects For Edwardsville Campus
·Local Construction Foremen Complete Leadership Course At SIUE
·SIUE Recognizes Student Employee Of The Year
·Brad Cross Is Recipient Of Paul Simon Award
·SIUE Children's SummerArts Program Continues To Serve Area Youth
·SIUE Men's Basketball Names Lennox Forrester New Head Coach
·Engineering Professor Wins SIUE Teaching Excellence Award
·East St. Louis Charter School Students To March
· Big Love Comes To SIUE April 18-21
·Boeing Technical Fellow M. McCoy To Speak At SIUE April 9
·TechnoStress Is Subject of LIS Spring Symposium April 12
· SIUE School Of Pharmacy Students Educate Youth On Poison Dangers
· AIA Touts SIUE campus Among Great Places In Illinois
· The Graduate School Will Present Its Eleventh Annual Spring Symposium Today
· Weather Delays Cause Road To Remain Closed Until April 13
4/30/06
Area High School Students Honored In SIUE Writing Contest
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) ) Nine area students are winners of the 13th Annual High School Writers' Contest sponsored by the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Friends of Lovejoy Library, a support organization for the SIUE library.
Contestants were high school juniors and seniors from the counties of Bond, Calhoun, Clinton, Greene, Jersey, Macoupin, Madison, Monroe, Montgomery, St. Clair, and Washington.
Organizers of the contest said there were 482 entries, with 148 nonfiction entries, 193 poems and 141 fiction entries. Winners were formally announced recently at an awards banquet on the SIUE campus. First place winners in the three categories received $500 each, while second and third place winners in each category won $300 and $100, respectively.
Cosponsors and contributors for the competition were the St. Louis Post-Dispatch Charitible Giving Program, the Belleville News-Democrat, and the Friends of Lovejoy Library.
First prize in the nonfiction category went to Mehreen Iqbal, a senior at Belleville West Township High School, for her essay, The Fire Within. Jessica Herren, a junior at Calhoun High School, was second prize winner in the same category for her essay, The Energizer Bunny, Prolo and Golf. Third prize was won by Zachary Foote, a junior at Granite City High School, for his essay, A Monumental Struggle: The Grapes of Wrath and the Theme of Oppression.
First prize in the poetry category was won by Jessica Nemec, a senior at Edwardsville High School, for "The Drifter." Second prize went to Megan Schmidt, a senior at Belleville West, for "Fr-ee-dom." Craig Johnson, also a senior at Belleville West, won third prize for "A Prince."
First prize in the fiction category was won by Megan Haeffele, a junior at Columbia High School, for her story, Four Years Gone. Second prize went to Tara Herrmann, a junior at Edwardsville, in the same category, for Gravity. Caleb Romoser, a junior at Edwardsville, won third prize for My Name is Adewale.
All award-winning entries have been printed in a booklet that is available for purchase. For information about purchasing booklets or about next year's competition, call the Friends of Lovejoy Library, (618) 650-2730.
4/28/07
2007 SIUE Excellence in Teaching Awards Banquet
Since 1984, SIUE has sponsored the Excellence in Teaching Awards program to honor exceptional teachers throughout the Metro East. Each year, teachers receive awards in various content areas. This year, award recipients in the areas of elementary education, middle school/jr.high education, secondary mathematics education, and special education will be honored.
Teachers are nominated by their building or district administrator based on several factors, including the following:
- Successful teaching experience
- Leadership among peers and the ability to teach all children
- Evidence of effect on student learning
- Strong background in the subject matter taught
- Evidence of continued interest and growth in the teaching field
- Active involvement in the teaching profession
After nomination, candidates complete a portfolio showing evidence of these qualities. Each candidate's portfolio is then reviewed by a panel of university faculty members. The winner of the award in each category is chosen, along with two 2nd place recipients. Each award carries a cash prize of either $500 (award winner) or $250 (2nd place).
When: The banquet will be held May 1, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Morris University Center, Hickory-Hackberry Room
Award recipients:
Elementary Education
- Joann Elliott, Highland Primary, Highland
- Tiffany Hanslow, Brighton West elementary, Brighton
- Mary Jane Hilden, Delores Moye Elementary School, O'Fallon
Middle School/Junior High School
- Dale Shaw, Highland Middle School, Highland
- Martha McFarland, Lincoln Middle School, Edwardsville
- Patricia Berry, Coulterville Junior High School Coulterville
Secondary Mathematics
- Lori Schieppe, O'Fallon Township High School, O'Fallon
- Scott Hagin, Edwardsville High School, Edwardsville
- Fames Loyet, Belleville East High School, Belleville
Special Education
- Robyn Lewis, Belleville East High School, Belleville
- Timothy Burns, Granite City High School, Granite City
- Linda Malone, Liberty Middle School, Edwardsville
Sponsors are Bill Searcy, Interim Dean, School of Education; Paul Ferguson, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs; Vaughn Vandegrift, Chancellor. For more information, contact Mary Weishaar, Associate Dean by e-mail: mweisha@siue.edu or by telephone: 650-3491.
4/26/07
Institutional Research And Studies Director Named At SIUE
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Phillip M. Brown, who has served since 2004 as associate director of the Office of Institutional Research and Studies at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, has been named director of that office effective May 1, according to SIUE Provost Paul Ferguson. Brown succeeds Sally Ferguson who had been director of the SIUE office for nearly 40 years.
In his new position at SIUE, Brown will be responsible for designing, conducting and coordinating studies of the University's students, staff, and patterns of resources used to support the planning, implementation and evaluation of SIUE's goals, policies and programs to better understand the University's characteristics.
Before joining SIUE, Brown had been assistant to the vice president for Student Affairs for Enrollment and Fiscal Policy at the University of Akron (OH). He also had been associate director for Fiscal and Policy and Analysis and assistant to the Provost for Policy Analysis, Assessment and Planning, both at Akron. In addition, Brown was special assistant to the Provost and a microcomputer manager, both at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland.
From 1978-1984 Brown served in the U.S. Navy as a reactor operator on the USS Atlanta, SSN 712, out of Norfolk, Va. He earned a bachelor's in English at Miami University in Ohio in 1989 and a master of science in management information systems at Case Western Reserve in 1999.
Brown resides in Edwardsville with this wife, Carol, and their two children, Emma and Robbie.
4/26/07
Volunteers Plant 'Medicinal Garden' For SIUE School of Pharmacy
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy students, faculty, staff and their families gave the school some solid roots from which to grow.
Establishing a unique component to the school, volunteers planted the first part of a "medicinal garden." The first leg of the process involved spray-painting outlines and marking off sections for the garden, and tilling dirt using motorized and old-fashioned equipment.
Julie Karpinski, assistant professor of pharmacy practice, and Mike Crider, chair of pharmaceutical sciences and associate dean of research, both with the SIUE School of Pharmacy, worked with Doug Conley, director of The Gardens at SIUE, and Julie Conley, a landscape architect, to design the layout and choose the plants.
"The medicinal garden is a demonstration area for medicinal plants in their natural environment," said Pharmacy Dean Philip Medon.
The first 2,100 square-foot, 70-foot long zone of the medicinal garden-one of three proposed zones-is going in this year. This zone will include the following plants, which are associated with aiding in the alleviation of the corresponding conditions:
- Black Cohosh for mood stabilization;
- Angelica for digestion;
- Garlic for heart health;
- Echinacea for immunity boosting;
- Witch Hazel for wound care; and
- Lavender and German chamomile for relaxation.
Photos of planting: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4
4/26/07
SIUE School of Pharmacy Student Receive National Honor
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Phuong Nguyen of St. Louis, a Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy student who is expected to graduate in 2010, has received one of 15 national American Foundation for Pharmaceutical Education (AFPE) Gateway to Research Scholarships to study obesity-mediated diabetes.
Mentored by Guim Kwon, assistant professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences for the SIUE School, Nguyen joins a very distinguished group of men and women awarded AFPE Scholarships, which began in 1942. Kwon will supervise Nguyen as she conducts the study.
SIUE School of Pharmacy students have received three of 30 AFPE research scholarship awards in the past two years.
The Gateway to Research Scholarships were created to encourage faculty to identify promising professional degree pharmacy students or baccalaureate degree students and encourage them to consider advanced graduate education and careers in research.
The purpose of the program is to increase the number of students who undertake a faculty-mentored research program and decide to enroll in graduate programs leading to a doctorate in the basic, clinical or administrative pharmaceutical sciences as well as careers in industry, on faculties at schools and colleges of pharmacy or in related organizations.
For more information, contact Nguyen, pnguyen@siue.edu.
4/25/07
SIUE Students To Plant Trees Today, Enjoy Fresh Air Tour
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Southern Illinois University Edwardsville will provide an opportunity for students, staff and visitors to take a deep breath in the Stratton Quadrangle at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, while enjoying the sounds of Jonathan Cour and CatchPenny during the Fresh Air Tour.
Those who attend the celebration also will have the opportunity to plant virtual trees in the Quad. Each time a virtual tree is planted a real tree also will be planted in a rainforest region.
The concert and tree planting event were organized in partnership with the Campus Activity Board. Virtual tree planting also can take place at www.nutrisoda.com or for free the first time by texting GOODSODA to 30644.
4/25/07
SIUE Celebrates Arbor Day At The Gardens With Volunteers, Leaders
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) A celebration of trees and the Earth will take place from 8 a.m.-noon Saturday, April 28, during a planting and education project on the campus of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
Students, faculty, staff and community members are encouraged to volunteer for tree planting, general clean-up and education programs in the 35-acre public garden, The Gardens at SIUE, on the University's campus. The gardens, a collaborative project with the Missouri Botanical Garden, is based on a master management plan and features woodlands, ponds, grasslands and sculptures.
"Volunteers will read children's books about the environment, remove invasive species and plant trees, shrubs and perennials throughout The Gardens," said Doug Conley, director of The Gardens at SIUE. "This will be a casual, "open house" atmosphere, with the emphasis on fun, friends and trees. All are invited to attend."
Those interested in volunteering are encouraged to bring a friend and show up at 8 a.m. at the Gosehn Lounge, on the first floor of SIUE's Morris University Center, wearing work clothes and sturdy shoes, and with gardening gloves. For more information, or to register, call (618) 650-2686 or send an e-mail To Suzanne Kutterer-Siburt: skutter@siue.edu.
The event is sponsored by SIUE and the Student Leadership Development Program and Volunteer Services. Parking will be available in the Cougar Lake Recreation Area parking lot. For more information, call Conley, (618) 650-3788.
4/24/07
St. Louis Regional Botball Tournament Rolls Into SIUE
More than 150 Ill.-Mo. middle and high school students to compete
- Who: SIUE School of Engineering
- What: Greater St. Louis Regional Botball Tournament
- When: Begins at 8 a.m. Saturday, April 28; seeding rounds begin at 10 and double elimination rounds begin approximately at 1:30 p.m.
- Where: Conference Center, on the second floor of the SIUE Morris University Center
More than 150 middle and high school students from Illinois and Missouri will compete in the Greater St. Louis Regional Botball Tournament, sponsored by the SIUE Department of Computer Science in the School of Engineering and the Botball® Educational Robotics Program.
While the University often hosts robotics events on its campus, this is the first time it will host a regional competition for a national program. "This event will give us a chance to excite a few hundred bright students in and around the St. Louis Metropolitan Area," said Hasan Sevim, dean of the SIUE School of Engineering. "We hope that some of these students will consider engineering and science as career choices because of these types of experiences."
During the competition, teams must scramble to prepare their "island" from the impending destruction from a nearby rumbling "volcano." Robots will be programmed to harvest pineapples, compost leaves, place rooftops on houses, and clear away lava (game elements made of small pompoms and pvc pipes).
Created by KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) Institute for Practical Robotics, a nonprofit organization based in Norman, Okla., Botball incorporates principles of mathematics, science, engineering, project management and technology. Each team of students spends about seven weeks building a robot for a Botball competition. For more information, contact Jerry Weinberg, (618) 650-2368, or by e-mail: jweinbe@siue.edu.
4/24/07
Mechanical Engineering Senior Assignments To Be Presented Thursday
Graduating mechanical engineering students will be presenting their senior projects in front of a panel of judges from local industry and also Engineering faculty from 9 a.m.-noon Thursday, April 26, in the Engineering Building lobby.
This year, some 28 graduating students undertook eight projects-one by an individual student and seven projects involving teams of the remaining students. "The Senior Assignment course, also known as the Senior Design course or Capstone Design course, serves as a bridge for the crossover from academia to work force, a stimulus for higher performance, and an indicator of confidence level and readiness to enter the workforce and become productive, said Tongele Tongele, a faculty member in the department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering.
"As a bridge, senior assignment provides students with opportunities to tackle real world projects that require, beside engineering knowledge and skills, qualities for teamwork, ability to understand the economical, societal and environmental impact of engineering decisions as well as professional responsibilities of an engineer. As a stimulus, the senior assignment fosters creativity and self reliance through which students gain control over their educational experience, and prove their readiness for professional life.
"Last but not least, the senior assignment allows students to show the products of their creativity and work," Tongele said, "demonstrating how confident they are, and how well they apply theoretical engineering concepts and principles to design, document, build, test, and demonstrate or simulate a working prototype."
The panel of judges includes: Steve Bright, of Basler Electric Corp.; Richard W Burns, of Boeing; Brad Korte, of Highland Machine & Screw Products Co.; Keqin Gu, Professor of Mechanical Engineering and chair of that department; and Assistant Professor Ryan Krauss, also with the department.
SIUE's senior assignment program overall has been recognized as one of the best in the nation by U.S. News and World Report as well as the AASC&U.
4/23/07
MEDIA ADVISORY/PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
Sociology, Criminal Justice Clubs To Stage Event At SIUE
Crimes Victims, Violence and Mass Murder at Virginia Tech
- Who: SIUE Sociology Club, the SIUE Criminal Justice Club, Making Waves, SIUE Police and the SIUE Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice Studies
- What: Memory Wall for Virginia Tech victims, as well as information about crime prevention programs at SIUE and in surrounding communities. Also, a presentation will be made by Associate Professor Matthew Petrocelli about mass violence, with a focus on the tragedy at Virginia Tech.
- When: 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 24, 2004
- Where: Goshen Lounge, SIUE Delyte W., Morris University Center
This event focuses on the tragedy at Virginia Tech last week, where more than 30 students and faculty lost their lives in a vicious attack. SIUE faculty and students are sponsoring this event to try and make sense of a senseless act.
4/22/07
UM-St. Louis Professor To Speak At SIUE Education Conference Friday
Rebecca Rogers, associate professor of Teaching and Learning at UM-St. Louis, will be the featured speaker at the first ever Education Inquiry Conference, sponsored by the SIUE Department of Curriculum and Instruction, from 11 a.m.-3:15 p.m. Friday, April 27, in Founders Hall.
With its theme of "Nurturing a Culture of Inquiry," the conference will include poster presentations by graduate students and an evaluation session. Rogers will speak about "Teacher Inquiry, Social Justice and Professional Development: A Portrait of the Literacy for Social Justice Research Group."
In addition to being a member of the UMSL faculty, Rogers also is a part of the Literacy for Social Justice Teacher Research Group at Washington University in St. Louis, as well as the Literacy Roundtable and the Acting for a Better Community, both also in St. Louis. Her research concerns literacy development across a lifespan and currently she is studying how teachers learn to teach literacy.
Members of the SIUE Inquiry Conference Committee include Assistant Professor Gloria Reading, Assistant Professor Stephen Marlette, Associate Professor Stephanie McAndrews, Assistant Professor Ralph Cordova, instructor Cindy McAndrews and Associate Professor Randall E. Smith, all Curriculum and Instruction faculty.
"This conference features our students who are finishing their teacher certification program," Cordova said. "The conference will specifically highlight our graduate students (teacher-researchers practicing in the field), who will share with us their action-research projects as part of the culmination of their studies for a master of science in Education.
"As faculty, we would like to see this conference become a milestone each year, in which grads, and eventually undergrads, will come together to share inquiries developed in their practices, as they interact and learn from each other."
For more information about the conference, call Cordova, (618) 650-3427
4/21/07
SIU School of Dental Medicine Dean, Students Receive Honors
(ALTON, Ill.) Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine Dean Ann Boyle recently received the Thaddeus V. Weclew Memorial Award, statewide recognition for being an outstanding dentist.
The award is given by the Illinois Section of the International College of Dentists, based in Chicago.
SIU dental students also honored recently were:
- Chad Drouin of Darien, recipient of one of two Chicago Dental Society's Outstanding Senior Dental Student awards. An award is given to an outstanding student annually at each of Illinois' two dental schools. It acknowledges students' classroom excellence and characteristics of professionalism;
- Charles "Chuck" Schumacher of Sigel, who earned the American College of Dentists Student Leadership Award. Given to students who exhibit outstanding leadership as well as meritorious scholastic performance with potential to make an impact on the dental profession, Schumacher's award will be published in the American College of Dentists Journal;
- Allison Chamness, of Royaltown, received the Pierre Fauchard Academy Award from the Pierre Fauchard Academy, for leadership and dedication to the advancement of dental literature. Chamness also received the award because of her strong academic and clinical accomplishments at the School of Medicine.
4/19/07
Chancellor Vandegrift Addresses Students, Faculty , Staff At Candle Lighting Ceremony
SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift addressed a crowd of about 350 in Goshen Lounge at noon Wednesday, two days after the tragic shootings at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Blacksburg, Va. In addition to a slide presentation of photos of many of the students killed in the Virginia Tech massacre, the ceremony also included words of consolation from Narbeth Emmanuel, vice chancellor for Student Affairs; Student Body President-Elect Laurie Estilette; Rev. Paul Burden, director of the United Campus Ministry at the SIUE Religious Center; and SIUE Provost Paul Ferguson.
Below is the text of the address given by the Chancellor:
Today our university community joins others across the country in memorializing the lives of the 32 victims killed on Monday at Virginia Polytechnic and State University during a rampage that remains inexplicable. How and where do we find words to explain to those 32 families why this happened? How and where do we find words to console them; to assuage the grief suffered by their loss, or even to help the family of the shooter cope with this massacre? How and where do we find words to explain to our own families, to our own colleagues and friends and to our country why tragic occurrences such as this one seem all too frequent in our society?
And how do we deal with the egregious contradiction that, on a university campus, on ground that is designed, protected, and held by society to be a place where human potential is fulfilled, that human potential should be destroyed in such a horrendous and precipitous act? As we look at the candles that burn here today, how do we not think of the extinguishing of those flames and the loss to our society of the individuals who worked and studied at Virginia Tech? How do we not think of Ryan Clark*, a biology, English and psychology major preparing to graduate next month? A 4.0 student, Clark planned to study for a PhD in psychology and was well known for his work with special needs children and adults. How do we not think of Austin Cloyd*, a freshman majoring in international studies in French, pictured with her big smile on the Virginia Tech Recreational Sports Web site? Cloyd lived in Central Illinois prior to her move in 2005 to Blacksburg, Va., to attend high school. How do we not think of Daniel Perez Cueva*, an international relations major from Peru, shot while attending a French class. How do we not think of Liviu Librescu*, an engineering and mechanics lecturer who had survived the Holocaust and reportedly blocked the door of his classroom, giving his body to protect students inside? And how do we not think of the additional 28 stories like these, equally as moving, each one representing a person working daily to fulfill potential that has now been taken away?
As we reflect on this tragic occurrence, we must also ask: how and where do we get the answers that will ensure that this will never happen again? For many of us, those answers may be found in our faith. For others, they may be found in our constant work to find ways to help stop people from dealing with their own pain by inflicting pain on others. Others will search different paths to come to terms with what has happened. Nevertheless, I believe the initial step in finding those answers must be in our individual and collective will to never forget. To never forget that human potential is to be valued and nurtured. To never forget what it feels like to suffer such a loss. For our University it means never forgetting the maddening irony that these flames of humanity that we memorialize today were snuffed out on a campus created to light flames of human potential.
On this day of remembrance, all of us can commit in our own ways, using our own potential, here within our SIUE community and in our external communities, to support and promote understanding, to protect individual rights, and to uphold the sanctity of human life.
Today we, the SIUE community, offer our most profound sympathies, our heartfelt prayers and our deepest support to our brothers and sisters at Virginia Tech. We will never forget.
4/19/07
SIUE SECA Campaign Was Recognized Today In Springfield
The State and University Employees Combined Appeal (SECA) Advisory Board and Charity Representatives are recognizing SIUE employees for outstanding achievement during the 2006 SECA Campaign.
SIUE is among 40 state agencies, commissions, universities and colleges being recognized today at an awards luncheon in Springfield at the governor's mansion. "In the past several years, the level of charitable giving here at SIUE has steadily grown," said Mark Bacus, co-chair of the SECA Camaign at SIUE. "Giving among SIUE employees is up almost 12.7 percent from what it was in 2001.
"It's a tribute to the generosity of our employees that out of hundreds of state agencies throughout Illinois, SIUE has been included among the top contributors."
John Farmer, SECA campaign manager, said the 2006 statewide campaign received contributions of $3,063,824.40. "That's about $16,000 more than the 2005 campaign," Farmer said.
"Since its inception, SECA has taken in more than $54 million in donations to nearly 2,000 charities locally, regionally and nationally. And, that's amazing when you consider the populations of state agencies are 20,000 fewer than when the campaign began."
Farmer commended state employees for their continuing generosity. He noted that the award luncheon recognizes the 40 campaigns throughout the state that reached or exceeded their 2006 goals. "State employees really see the need for charitable giving," he said. "They are saying: 'It makes sense for me to contribute.'"
4/18/07
Poets, Writers, Community Ensemble Highlight April 28 Event
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Author Jabari Asim, senior editor at the Washington Post Book World and assistant editor of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's Drumvoices Revue, will headline "Fresh & Ancestral: New Xpressions from the Eugene B. Redmond Writers Club" from 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, April 28, in Building D (Multipurpose Room) of the East St. Louis Higher Education Campus, 601 J.R. Thompson Dr., East St. Louis.
Also appearing will be the East St. Louis Community Performance Ensemble, a troupe of dancers and drummers, along with several area poets, educators, activists and "spoken word artists" including Michael Castro, Roscoe Crenshaw, Sherman Fowler, Christienne Hinz, Kenita Jalivay, Charlois Lumpkin, K. Curtis Lyle, Patricia Merritt, Reginald Petty, Darlene Roy, Jeffrey Skoblow, Debra "Fo Feet Warren and Eugene Redmond, founding editor of Drumvoices Revue, published by the Writers Club and SIUE.
The program, free to the public, also will pay tribute to two late cultural-literary stalwarts: classical pianist-composer Eugene Haynes (1924-2007), who was Miles Davis' classmate at Lincoln High School in East St. Louis and at the Juilliard School of Music in New York, and poet Sheryl Johnson (1955- 2007), Writers Club board member and owner of Hatshepsut Gallery in St. Louis.
Johnson will be given the Club's Distinguished Native Daughter Award posthumously. Haynes, who received the Native Son Award several years ago, directed the Katherine Dunham Performing Arts Training Center in the 1980s.
Asim, a native of St. Louis, is a former member of the EBR Club who formerly wrote for the St. Louis American and St. Louis Post-Dispatch newspapers. His most recent book is The N Word: Who Can Say It, Who Shouldn't, and Why. Asim also is a poet, playwright and fiction writer whose work has appeared in Black American Literature Forum, Obsidian II, Painted Bride Quarterly, Catalyst and Shooting Star Review.
Photo exhibits, book sales (and signings) and an arts bazaar will also be part of the "Fresh & Ancestral" program. For information, call EBR Writers/SIUE English at 618 650-3991.
4/13/07
Several Illinois Residents Are Recipients Of SIUE Kimmel Award
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Several Southwestern Illinois residents will receive Kimmel Community Service Awards at the April 25 Kimmel Leadership Recognition Program, sponsored by Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and the Belleville News-Democrat.
The annual award was established to recognize outstanding community members for dedication and contributions to community volunteer service as exemplified by Carol Kimmel, a former member of the SIU Board of Trustees, who for many years gave freely of her time and talent to volunteerism.
This year there are winners in five award categories: education, social service-social welfare, regional leadership, agency-organizational concerns, special populations and SIUE faculty-staff.
Those nominated for the Kimmel Community Service Award must have been a resident of Illinois or Missouri for at least two years, and volunteered for at least one agency, organization, or business for at least two or more continuous years.
In addition, nominees must have demonstrated a variety of community service contributions for an extended period and demonstrated outstanding voluntary community service, as well as a commitment to the citizens of Illinois or Missouri; and must document leadership roles and responsibilities.
This year's winners are (Click on name for photo):
- EDUCATION: Linda Smith of Belleville.
- REGIONAL LEADERSHIP: Anthony Traxler of Edwardsville.
- SPECIAL POPULATIONS: Barbara Taylor of Columbia.
- AGENCY/ORGANIZATIONAL CONCERNS: Larry Wagner of East St. Louis.
- SOCIAL SERVICE-SOCIAL WELFARE: Sharon Jackson of East St. Louis.
- FACULTY-STAFF: Howard Rambsy, assistant professor of English Language and Literature at SIUE.
Admission is free for the April 25 Kimmel recognition program-scheduled at 4:30 p.m. in Meridian Ballroom, on the first floor of SIUE's Morris University Center. For more information, call the Kimmel Leadership Center, (618) 650-2686, or, from St. Louis toll-free, (888) 328-5168, Ext. 2686.
4/13/07
SIUE Student From Springfield Wins Kimmel Scholarship
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Kendra Chapman-Small of Springfield, a senior majoring in biological sciences at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, has been named this year's recipient of the university's Carol Kimmel Scholarship. The scholarship program is co-sponsored by the Belleville News-Democrat.
The annual scholarship was established to recognize students for their outstanding leadership and community volunteer service contributions, in addition to academic excellence. It is named for Kimmel, a former member of the SIU Board of Trustees, who for many years donated freely of her time and talent to volunteerism.
Chapman-Small will be recognized Wednesday, April 25, at the Kimmel Leadership Recognition Program-scheduled at 4:30 p.m. in Meridian Ballroom, on the first floor of SIUE's Morris University Center. For more information, call the Kimmel Leadership Center, (618) 650-2686, or, from St. Louis toll-free, (888) 328-5168, Ext. 2686.
4/13/07
SIUE Senior Project Showcase Recognition Event Slated
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Recognized for the past two years through U.S. News and World Report for the caliber of its senior assignment program, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville wants to demonstrate the significance of the designation to the campus community and beyond.
A Senior Project Showcase will take place from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday, April 16, in the Morris University Center. Students' top projects in the areas of business, education, engineering, fine arts, humanities, natural science and mathematics, nursing and social sciences will be on display throughout the day through posters, portfolios, talks and presentations.
Door prizes, including an iPod Shuffle, University Bookstore gift certificates and Senior Project Showcase merchandise, will be awarded to attendees of different events.
An awards ceremony featuring SIUE Provost Paul Ferguson will take place at 3:30 p.m. in the Mississippi/Illinois room in the Morris Center. For more information, visit http://www.siue.edu/showcase.
The event is sponsored by the SIUE Excellence in Undergraduate Education fund, the SIUE Office of Student Affairs and SIUE Student Government.
4/13/07
2nd Annual Accounting Awareness Program Set For June 13-15
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's Department of Accounting is accepting applications for the Second Annual Accounting Awareness Program (AAP). The program will take place this summer from June 13-15 on the SIUE campus. The department is part of the SIUE School of Business.
AAP is a three-day, non-residential program designed to inform high school students about career opportunities in the field of accounting. The students will have two days of on-campus activities and one day of field trips to business offices in St. Louis. The on-campus activities include campus tours, presentations from the accounting faculty, interaction with student organizations, alumni, university administrators, and community business leaders.
While the program is targeted to students from underrepresented groups, it is open to all high school students who will be starting their junior or senior year in fall 2007 and to seniors graduating in May. Students who wish to participate must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, complete an application, submit a letter of recommendation and show involvement in school, community and/or church activities.
Twenty-five students will be selected to participate in this summer's AAP; those selected will receive a full scholarship for tuition, meals, supplies, and transportation over the three days. The only cost incurred by the student is a $25 application fee, charged only to those accepted into the program.
Financial assistance for the $25 application fee is available for students who need assistance. The application deadline is April 30. Applications may be obtained by asking a high school counselor to call: (618) 650-2107 with the name(s) and address(es) of interested students.
SIUE's accountancy program is designed to provide students with an educational foundation upon which they can grow professionally in the practice and study of accounting as they progress throughout their careers.
Fewer than 15 percent of business schools worldwide have earned the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation, a seal of approval that the SIUE School has earned each year since 1975.
SIUE's accountancy program also is accredited through AACSB. Less than 33 percent of AACSB-accredited business schools hold an accounting accreditation.
4/13/07
SIUE Student From St. Peters Honored With Enterprise Award
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Nicole M. Grashoff, of St. Peters, Mo., a business major at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, recently was honored with the Enterprise Rent-A-Car Foundation Student Leader of the Month Award for April. In May, Grashoff will receive a bachelor of science in business administration, with a concentration in marketing.
The award recognizes students nominated for outstanding participation and leadership in campus organizations. Grashoff was given the award for her contributions to the Delta Sigma Pi Business Fraternity and to student life within the SIUE School of Business.
As president of Delta Sigma Pi, Grashoff played a vital role in the formation of the SIUE chapter of this professional fraternity. Under her leadership, the organization has built a strong foundation for future business students. Grashoff also is involved on campus in other organizations such as, Student Government Executive Board and Campus Activities Board.
In addition to campus activities, Grashoff is an assistant youth soccer coach and a volunteer for Hope Animal Rescue, a non-profit organization that rescues and adopts animals.
In response to the Enterprise award, Grashoff said, "Though I am very honored and happy to be recognized, Delta Sigma Pi would not be where it is without the dedication of all of the members. They are all invaluable."
Grashoff received a $50 stipend and certificate. In addition, Grashoff was recognized at a reception honoring all SIUE Enterprise Rent-A-Car award recipients. The reception provided business students with an opportunity to network with company executives.
The SIUE School of Business is among an elite 15 percent of business schools worldwide that have earned the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation, a seal of approval that the SIUE School has earned each year since 1975.
SIUE's accountancy program also is accredited through AACSB. Less than 33 percent of AACSB-accredited business schools hold an accounting accreditation.
Click here for photo of Nicole Grashoff
4/13/07
ELITE Organization Honored By Enterprise
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The ELITE organization, Emerging Leaders Improving Through Experience, at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, recently was honored with the Enterprise Rent-A-Car Foundation Student Organization of the Year Award for the 2006-07 school year.
The award was given for the organization's activities that best supported its mission and stated goals. ELITE also had to demonstrate how its membership serves the organization and how the organization serves its stakeholders.
ELITE's Mission includes serving as a liaison among students, faculty, alumni and others affiliated with the SIUE School of Business. The organization helps organize, promote, and sponsor student interactions and activities throughout the university community. In doing so, ELITE strives to enrich and expand the experience of the student community both in and out of the classroom, as well as provide current students an opportunity to develop professional, communication, and leadership skills.
Timothy Schoenecker, interim dean of the SIUE School of Business and faculty advisor to ELITE, had this to say about receiving the award: "I'm very proud of all the members of ELITE; collectively they have put forth a great deal of time and effort on behalf of the School of Business."
Schoenecker continued, "Whenever we need assistance with a project, we've been able to count on ELITE to come through for the School. Receiving the Enterprise award is great recognition for all of this hard work."
During the 2006-07 year, ELITE put new programs into place: the first-ever ELITE Welcome Back BBQ, the First Annual ELITE Golf Tournament and ELITE Month. During ELITE Month they offered alumni speakers and a weekly event in which they served pizza, administered surveys and promoted events that ELITE is planning for the future.
ELITE President Josh Smucker had this to say about receiving the award, "We are very proud that our efforts in the '06-07 academic year have been recognized-keep an eye on us because some of the most promising world leaders of the future are ELITE!"
The award carries with it a $2,500 stipend. In addition, ELITE was recognized at a reception that honored all Enterprise Rent-A-Car award recipients and gave SIUE business students an opportunity to network with Enterprise executives.
The SIUE School of Business is among an elite 15 percent of business schools worldwide that have earned the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation, a seal of approval that the SIUE School has earned each year since 1975.
SIUE's accountancy program also is accredited through AACSB. Less than 33 percent of AACSB-accredited business schools hold an accounting accreditation.
4/13/07
April Employee Of The Month
Congratulations: Mike Reinhardt, an operations associate at Lovejoy Library, is recipient of the April Employee Recognition Award. Reinhardt (second from left) is shown here flanked by Kenn Neher, vice chancellor for Administration, and Claudia Davidage, head of Access Services for the Library, who nominated Reinhardt for the award. At far right is Jay Starratt, associate vice chancellor for Information Technology and dean of Library and Information Services. In addition to the plaque he received, Reinhardt was awarded a $25 gift certificate to the SIUE Bookstore, a parking spot close to his office for one month, and two complimentary lunch coupons to the University Restaurant. (SIUE Photo by Bill Brinson)
4/13/07
SIUE Student From Matteson Honored With Enterprise Award
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Leslie L. Jones of Matteson, a business major at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, recently was honored with the Enterprise Rent-A-Car Foundation Student Leader of the Month Award for March. Jones will graduate from SIUE this May with a bachelor of science in business administration with a concentration in marketing.
The award recognizes students nominated for outstanding participation and leadership in campus organizations.
Jones' award is in recognition of her work with the SIUE Emerging Leaders Influencing Through Experience (ELITE) student organization. As an outstanding leader in this organization, she was instrumental in the production of the first ELITE newsletter that provides information and communication within the student population of the School of Business and others around the University.
In addition, Jones received an SIUE Johnetta Haley Scholarship for under-represented students who hold a high grade point average, and she has been on the Dean's List. Jones also is involved in the Student Government Finance Board and she has been vice president of the Organization for Minority Business Students.
In response to the Enterprise award, Jones said, "It is nice to be recognized and rewarded for my dedication and commitment to the SIUE School of Business. I would like to thank those who nominated me and worked so diligently on the newsletter with me." Jones received a $50 stipend and a certificate of recognition.
Jones also was recognized at a reception recently that honored all Enterprise Rent-A-Car award recipients, and provided SIUE business students with an opportunity to network with Enterprise executives.
The SIUE School of Business is among an elite 15 percent of business schools worldwide that have earned the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation, a seal of approval that the SIUE School has earned each year since 1975.
SIUE's accountancy program also is accredited through AACSB. Less than 33 percent of AACSB-accredited business schools hold an accounting accreditation.
Click here for a photo of Leslie Jones
4/13/07
School of Business Professor Receives Boeing Welliver Fellowship
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Associate Professor Susan Yager, a member of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's School of Business faculty since 1999 and chair of the SIUE Department Computer Management and Information Systems, recently received notification that she was awarded the Boeing Welliver Faculty Fellowship for summer 2007.
The Fellowship is designed to provide faculty with a better understanding of the practical industry application of engineering, information technology, and business skills. In addition, the Fellowship is designed to influence content of undergraduate education in ways that will better prepare tomorrow's graduates for careers in a global environment.
When she found she was a recipient, Yager said, "This is a great opportunity for me to learn more about what makes Boeing a successful company and bring insights back to students at SIUE. In addition, it has been 15 years since I have worked in the industry, so I am looking forward to updating my knowledge and experience."
In fact, faculty who participate in the program are asked to apply the knowledge and understanding they receive from the program to influence broader curriculum changes in a holistic way that addresses the needs of practitioners.
The fellowship will begin at a June workshop session with other Welliver Fellows in Long Beach, Calif., and will end in August at the Boeing Leadership Center in St. Louis. While in St. Louis, the Fellows will present a collaborative report to Boeing officials that will contain both collective observations and suggestions for improvement.
Tim Schoenecker, interim dean of SIUE's School of Business, said, "In addition to being a great learning experience for Susan, her selection as a Welliver Fellow has strategic significance for the School and University as we attempt to strengthen our relationship with Boeing and other area businesses. We are very proud of her achievements and are confident that she will represent our School well."
Yager earned a doctorate at the University of Northern Texas. Her 20 years of industry experience includes various accounting positions and technical expertise in the agri-business and construction industries.
Click here for a photo of Susan Yager
4/12/07
BOT Awards Contracts, Approves Projects For Edwardsville Campus
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees today awarded contracts for two projects totaling more than $2 million and approved three other projects totaling more than $2.2 million, all for the SIU Edwardsville campus.
The board voted on the matters at its regular meeting conducted on the Edwardsville campus.
L. Keeley Construction Corp. of Sauget was awarded a $379,800 contract to build an asphalt parking lot on the north side of Circle Drive across from SIUE's Vadalabene Center. Pyramid Electrical Contractors of Fairview Heights was awarded a $134,340 contract to provide lighting for the parking lot.
Cost of the new lot will be funded from a change in the project description of the proceeds from the sale of 2006A bonds that were approved by the board in March 2006. That change in project description was approved at a BOT meeting in November. Debt service for the lot will be funded from parking and traffic revenues.
Demand for parking on the Edwardsville campus has escalated as full-time student enrollment has increased. University Police conducted a survey last fall that confirmed very few vacant parking spaces are available on campus to employees and students on numerous occasions during peak times.
The board also awarded $1.4 million in contracts to install replacement rooftop HVAC units and controls in up to three SIUE residence halls-Woodland, Prairie and Bluff halls. The replacement of HVAC units and controls will ensure better control of humidity.
The three contract awardees are: Hock Mechanical of Belleville, ventilation-$1,174,830; Wissehr Electric Inc., electrical-$179,120; and Amsco Mechanical of Granite City, heating-$58,000. Architecture and engineering fees (awarded by earlier board action) and contingencies bring the total for this project to $1,608,539.
Contractors have agreed to a two-stage implementation process. Unit and controls replacement will be completed at Woodland Hall and the results will be monitored. If successful, work will proceed in Prairie and Bluff.
In other business today, the board gave project and budget approval to three other projects on the SIUE campus: roof replacement and/or roof repair of the 62 buildings in Cougar Village Apartments at an estimated cost of $970,000; construction of a lighted sidewalk along Circle Drive-providing safe pedestrian traffic between Bluff, Evergreen (opening for fall), and Woodland halls-at an estimated cost of $800,000; and a $450,000 renovation of the School of Pharmacy building at 200 University Park Drive for additional office and student lounge space.
4/11/07
Local Construction Foremen Complete Leadership Course At SIUE
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) More than 20 members of Laborers International Union of North America (LIUNA), from the Twelve Counties Southwestern Illinois Laborers' District Council, recently completed the Construction Foreman Development Program sponsored by the Labor and Management programs through the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Business. Ron Shevlin, retired business manager of the District Council, was one of the original organizers of the annual foreman training program, along with Marvin Finkelstein, professor of Sociology at SIUE, who continues to coordinate the program. Participants attended 12 weekly sessions, with experts presenting topics of critical importance to foreman, including metric conversion and blueprint reading, principles of leadership and motivation, theory and practice of planning and control, and accident prevention and loss control. (SIUE Photos by Bill Brinson)
Click on bold-faced headers to find photographs suitable to print:
- Belleville area: In the back row:: Chris Captain, James Johnson, Sherman Voegtle, Bob Taylor, Henry Poole, Demond Taylor, Ron Shevlin, retired business manager of the District Council, and Glyn Ramage, business manager of the District Council. In the front row: Jack Reed, assistant regional manager of LIUNA, Steve Atkinson, Tim Ahle, Dee Austin, Dan Baglin, Jeff Beil and John Casey
- Alton area: Reed, Bill Grill, Greg Stimac, Keith Zumwalt, Shevlin and Ramage
- Edwardsville area: Reed, Scott Fenton, Jason Urban, Shevlin and Ramage
- Florissant, Mo.: Reed, Ray Shlemmer, Kevin Washausen, Shevlin and Ramage
- Greenville area: Reed, Rod Brewer, Shevlin and Ramage
- Lebanon area: Reed, Jim Smith, Shevlin and Ramage
- Mascoutah area: Reed, Chris Captain, Shevlin and Ramage
4/12/07
SIUE Recognizes Student Employee Of The Year
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) When Southern Illinois University Edwardsville student Kelly Bisso of Swansea commits to something, she sees it through.
No matter how many major projects she has going on at once, Bisso is able to carefully attend to her responsibilities and exceed expectations, said Lisa Israel, SIUE's assistant director for residential education. Because of this strong quality, Israel nominated Bisso as SIUE's Student Employee of the Year; an honor that was bestowed on the special education major this week.
"I feel very honored to be recognized," said Bisso, a Prairie Hall resident assistant (RA). "This is an amazing feeling. It's a complete surprise and it's exciting."
What also is pleasantly surprising is Bisso's level of enthusiasm and commitment to community oriented projects, and her successful execution of such projects, Israel said, noting in her nomination statement: "Kelly came to me last year with an idea to implement Cougars for a Cause, an unofficial student organization made up of freshmen students in Prairie Hall.
"I explained to Kelly that I would support her in this endeavor, but her required RA duties came first. She assured me that there would be no problem; that she was very committed to community service and that she would be able to balance both. Although I was hesitant, I agreed."
While maintaining her regular duties, Bisso also was able to organize events members of the Cougars for a Cause effort, which generated $1,500 through an Alzheimer's disease awareness walk. They also sold "ice cream to stop the screams" to raise money for an East St. Louis domestic violence shelter.
"She has such an ethic of care," Israel said.
Bisso has worked in some capacity with University Housing for the past three years. She started as a desk manager in Prairie Hall and now acts as a role model for other residents.
"I want to thank Lisa for nominating me," she said. She also thanked her coworkers and friends at Prairie Hall and through housing, and her family, whom she said "has supported me through everything."
"Kelly is one of our stars," said Michael Schultz, director of University Housing. "She exemplifies the commitment that all student workers have to residents of university housing
Click here for photo: Kelly Bisso, center, flanked by Lisa Israel, left, and Kim Durr, right, executive assistant to the chancellor, receives the Student Employee of the Year award at Prairie Hall.
4/10/07
Brad Cross Is Recipient Of Paul Simon Award
Colleagues and students alike agree that Civil Engineering Professor Brad Cross is an excellent example of a teacher-scholar, one who collaborates well and also tries to include students in his research whenever possible.
These qualities, along with the research that Cross has done in structural design, earthquake engineering, and computer methods of analysis and design, have resulted in being chosen as recipient of SIUE's 2007 Paul Simon Outstanding Scholar Award, announced recently by Stephen Hansen, associate provost for research and dean of the Graduate School.
The Simon Award is presented annually to an SIUE faculty member in recognition of the role of research and creative activities in achieving excellence in teaching. The award confirms SIUE's belief that an individual must be a good scholar to be a good teacher. The Simon Award is sponsored by the Graduate School and presented by the SIUE Graduate faculty.
With the University since 1992, Cross also is chair of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) National Committee for Student Involvement, which was newly created in 2006 after an impressive showing by SIUE students under his supervision at a recent conference.
In his nomination statement, Cross said: "I believe that there is an important role for universities that promote excellence in education. I strongly believe that SIUE is an ideal place for a faculty member to work to help achieve that goal. While research and service activities are very important here, I believe they should contribute to the primary mission of excellence in education whenever possible."
Cross has sought external projects that directly enhance students' learning experiences. His funded projects from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and from the National Science Foundation (NSF) directly involved undergraduate and graduate students. Students have taken part in activities such as field experimentation on highway bridges, performing design and analysis computation in the laboratory, and developing a small shaking table earthquake display for the Children's Museum of Edwardsville.
Cross's external funding also is important to his areas of structural design and earthquake engineering. His experimental studies of Illinois highway loads for IDOT have led to a deeper understanding of the types of truck loadings experienced by bridges and the way those forces are distributed throughout the structures. He and his students have also worked-with funding from NSF and the Mid-America Earthquake Center-on producing three-dimensional computer simulations to view effects of earthquakes on buildings and to help understand upgrade procedures that might be used.
Much of his work has been accomplished in collaboration with faculty in the School of Engineering, such as Nader Panahshahi and Brent Vaughn of the Department of Civil Engineering, and Scott Smith of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Cross also has obtained assistance in hiring students from Ron Banks, assistant to the dean of the School.
Students are involved in all of Cross'research and scholarly activities to some extent. For example, Cross co-chaired the 2006 Structures Congress of the ASCE's Structural Engineering Institute. He helped bring this conference to St. Louis for the first time in its history; it was attended by more than 900 structural engineers from around the world. "For the first time, this conference strongly encouraged student participation," Cross said.
"Our student chapter of ASCE prepared an exhibit of undergraduate research being performed at SIUE for the exhibit hall, along with other schools in our area." This exhibit led to his selection as chair of a newly formed student involvement committee.
From 1999-2002 Cross was associate editor for Seismic Effects for the American Society of Civil Engineers' Journal of Structural Engineering. He also is licensed as a professional engineer and a structural engineer, the highest level of structural engineering licensing available in the state of Illinois.
One scholar, in a letter of support, states, "Dr. Cross is an exceptional teacher and mentor who motivated his students to 'look at the big picture' and see how their research fit into the overall center [Mid-America Earthquake (MAE) Center] mission and objectives. Dr. Cross frequently featured and praised his students' accomplishments at the MAE Center Annual Meetings and the NSF Site Reviews."
A former student and now professional engineer stated that Professor Cross' "continued efforts for research have allowed him to publish many papers and provide himself with national recognition in the engineering community."
Another former student wrote, "I was a student of his several years ago, worked with him when I was a graduate student, have been a colleague of his for the past several years, and have worked with him as a co-investigator on an externally-funded field research project. In all of these roles he has impressed me with his devotion to teaching and how he has involved students, both undergraduate and undergraduate, as much as he could in the research projects that he was working on."
As recipient of the Simon Award, Cross will make a presentation at the Graduate School's Paul Simon Luncheon next year.
Click here for Photo: Brad Cross receives the Simon Award from SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift.
4/10/07
SIUE Children's SummerArts Program Continues To Serve Area Youth
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Department of Art and Design's art education area will presents its Children's SummerArts Program beginning June 11 with workshops designed for children and teen-agers up to age 18. The summer offering is part of the University's SummerArts program.
At the junior and senior level (ages 13-18), workshops will be offered in drawing and painting, computer graphics, printmaking, ceramics and sculpture, fiber arts and digital photography. Classes are scheduled to begin June 11, with offerings in primary children's art (ages 6-8), until July 27 with most offerings continuing two to three weeks.
According to Art and Design Professor Dennis Taylor, head of the department's art education area, the workshops provide quality, affordable art experiences for young students. "This is a special opportunity for participants to create and learn in a university studio environment," Taylor said.
For more information, call Darlene Darby, (618) 650-3183.
4/9/07
SIUE Men's Basketball Names Lennox Forrester New Head Coach
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has selected Lennox Forrester-assistant coach at Bradley University for the past five seasons-as the new head coach of Cougar men's basketball.
Forrester was introduced to the media and the SIUE family Monday at a 4 p.m. news conference in the Vadalabene Center main lobby. "I am confident that Lennox has all the skill sets and the abilities to do an outstanding job," said Dr. Brad Hewitt, SIUE's Director of Intercollegiate Athletics. "As a coach and a teacher of the game, he has demonstrated his commitment to student-athletes on and off the court."
The new coach is charged with taking the helm of the SIUE basketball program, which will spend one more season in NCAA Division II play before making the transition to NCAA Division I action in the 2008-09 season. Forrester becomes the seventh men's basketball coach in school history and follows Marty Simmons, who left March 15th to become head coach at his alma mater, the University of Evansville.
SIUE has shed its "best-kept-secret" label over the past few years in Cougar basketball, advancing to the NCAA Tournament in two out of the last three seasons, including posting 25 wins and an Elite Eight appearance in the 2005-06 season.
After an exhaustive national search, Hewitt said the decision to offer Forrester the position came down to "a superior recruiting strength in our primary areas." Forrester will enthusiastically take "The 'e' " to the next level through his commitment and integrity, Hewitt said. "We decided a new basketball coach needed to reflect SIUE's commitment to excellence, academic integrity, service to the community and commitment to all its students," he said.
Last month, Bradley advanced to the second round of the Mastercard NIT. The 2005-06 season also saw the Braves advance to the NCAA Tournament's Sweet Sixteen. Forrester also spent 10 seasons (1992-2002) as an assistant coach and an administrative assistant for the University of Evansville under Coach Jim Crews.
Forrester earned a bachelor of arts in sociology at Evansville in 1992. He was a junior college All-American at Parkland College before transferring to Evansville to finish his degree. He and his wife, Aretha, have a two-year-old daughter, Calaya.
4/6/07
Engineering Professor Wins SIUE Teaching Excellence Award
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) An informal style and a teaching philosophy that encourages students to think through problems rather than passively listen to class lectures led to Brad Noble as the choice for the 2007 Teaching Excellence Award at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. It is the most prestigious teaching award a faculty member can receive at SIUE.
Noble, an associate professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering for the SIUE School of Engineering, received a $2,000 prize as part of the recognition. He was among 10 nominees for the distinction considered by the Teaching Excellence Award Committee.
In addition, Teaching Distinction Awards were given to three other faculty members: Steve Klein, an instructor in the Department of Computer Science; Gregory Fields, professor of philosophy; and David Kaplan, assistant professor of physics. They each won $500.
Noble earned a doctorate in electrical engineering at Washington University in St. Louis in 2000. He received a master of science in electrical engineering in 1992 and a bachelor of science in 1990, both in electrical engineering and both at SIUE.
Before joining the SIUE Engineering faculty in 1996, Noble had been a network engineer for Systems Engineering Solutions Inc. and a computer programmer and assistant to the project manager at Sachs Electric Co., both in St. Louis.
In his "dossier" to the committee, Noble said he tries to match his style of teaching to the personality and temperament of the students in a course. He also said engineering students tend to challenge new ideas and closely study ideas presented by the instructor. Noble points out an instructor must earn a student's respect.
"In light of these observations, teaching engineering students takes on its own unique challenges," Noble said. "In order to more effectively reach these students, I use the following set of principles … as a guide in my classrooms:
- Work the hard problems in class, not just the drill problems in the textbook
- Build on their (students) intuition
- Relate the material to their everyday life as much as possible
"There are some principles that I feel are universal in the sense that I would apply them to
whatever class, topic or group I was teaching:
- Be enthusiastic; it is contagious
- It is OK to be demanding but only if you're fair
- Have fun
"These observations and principles were developed through a combination of direct feedback from being in front of the classroom, pondering suggestions made by students on course evaluations and discussions with my colleagues," Noble said.
"Being a faculty member at SIUE has been, and continues to be, the most rewarding job I have ever had or could have imagined."
According to the committee's findings, Noble was the "near unanimous choice" for the award. "We were impressed with his breadth of knowledge and his obvious level of comfort in the classroom," the committee wrote in its recommendation. "His student evaluations of teaching and teaching philosophy reflect the rapport and level of engagement with his students."
In choosing Klein for a Teaching Distinction Award, the committee also noted rapport with students and an engaging style as a reason to cite the instructor. "It was felt that (Steve) is truly dedicated to teaching, and he enjoys his role in the classroom."
Fields was recognized by the committee for posing thought-provoking questions in class. "He (is) an enthusiastic facilitator who promotes thoughtful student-professor interaction," the committee wrote. "His focus on critically examined controversial topics allows students to not only develop their critical thinking skills, but to express them, both orally and in writing."
Kaplan engages students "to help make physics more approachable," the committee wrote. "David has taken the initiative to excel in his teaching by making use of numerous peer evaluations and classroom assessments. His national presentations on physics education demonstrate his commitment to teaching in the sciences."
4/7/07
East St. Louis Charter School Students To March
Students from the East St. Louis Charter School and the TRIO Programs at the East St. Louis Center will participate in the March of Dimes' St. Clair County WalkAmerica at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 5, in O'Fallon Community Park.
"More and more babies in America are being born dangerously early," said Patricia Merritt, assistant to the East St. Louis Center director. "Despite the best medical care, thousands don't get through the first month. Premature birth is growing at an alarming rate and affects one in eight babies. We support the March of Dimes research to give them a fighting chance."
Merritt said the general public may take part in the walk or donate to the March of Dimes. For information, to register or volunteer, call (618) 234-9445 or visit the Web site: walkamerica.org to register.
4/5/07
Big Love Comes To SIUE April 18-21
Award-winning playwright Charles L. Mee Jr. and SIUE director Chuck Harper bring us Big Love, Mee's take on The Suppliant Women by the ancient Greek playwright Aeschylus.
The play runs at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday, April 18-21, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 22, all in the theater at Katherine Dunham Hall.
Big Love tells the tale of 50 sisters who rebel against their arranged marriages to 50 cousins. This head-on collision between the sexes is presented as a theatrical free-for-all that combines classical philosophy and slapstick comedy. It's outrageously funny and brutally violent, and not suitable for children.
For tickets, call the SIUE Fine Arts box office, (618) 650-2774.
Photo: Cast members of Big Love include three brides in a tub (from front to back) Mandi Oefelein, as Olympia; Jordon Villines, in the role of Lydia; and Emma Peterson, playing Thyona. At right is David Whitacre as Giuliano.
4/5/07
Boeing Technical Fellow M. McCoy To Speak At SIUE April 9
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Michael S. McCoy, a Technical Fellow in Operations Analysis at the Boeing Corporation and a 1975 graduate of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, will speak at 2 p.m. Monday, April 9, in the auditorium off the atrium lobby of SIUE's Engineering Building.
McCoy, who was a mathematics studies major at SIUE, will speak about "Operations Research Applied to Systems Engineering in the Aerospace Industry." Operations Analysis is the analytical arm of the systems engineering discipline, providing a foundation for identifying customers' needs, guiding and assessing engineering concept development, analyzing alternatives and providing independent, "honest-broker" decision support and value determination for systems.
After graduation from SIUE, McCoy went on to earn a master of science in systems science and mathematics at Washington University in St. Louis and a doctorate in multidisciplinary studies at Saint Louis University. He joined the staff of what was then known as the McDonnell Douglas Automation Company in 1980 as a simulation project leader and moved to Operations Analysis in 1984. McDonnell Douglas merged with the Boeing Company in 1997.
McCoy also taught math at the University of Missouri-St. Louis from 1981-84 and from 1998-2001. In addition, McCoy held teaching positions at Washington University and Saint Louis University. He also was a management science analyst for the National Steel Corporation from 1976-1980 and an econometrician for the Federal Reserve Bank in St. Louis from 1972-76.
For more information about McCoy's visit, call the School of Engineering, (618) 650-2541.
4/5/07
TechnoStress Is Subject of LIS Spring Symposium April 12
David M. Levy, professor of information technology at the University of Washington's Information School, will be the keynote speaker at Library Information Services' (LIS) Spring Symposium from 2-4:30 p.m. Thursday, April 12, in the John C. Abbott Auditorium, on the lower level of Lovejoy Library.
At the LIS symposium, with its theme of TechnoStress: Fighting Information Overload and Time Poverty, Levy, known as an "information environmentalist," will speak about how society currently is inundated with technology and information and how that situation affects everyone. He will be joined by panelist speakers Patricia "Gussie" Klorer, professor of Art and Design and director of the graduate Art Therapy program, and Peter A. Theodore, assistant professor of Educational Leadership.
All are welcome. For more information, contact Michelle Toohey, Ext. 2711, or by e-mail: mtoohey@siue.edu. The symposium is co-sponsored by the LIS Research, Projects and Development Committee, the Friends of Lovejoy Library and the SIUE Graduate School.
4/3/07
SIUE School of Pharmacy Students Educate Youth On Poison Dangers
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) A group of local college students has visited area elementary classrooms to set the record straight on the dangers of poison.
First-year students from the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy visited area schools this month in collaboration with the Illinois Poison Control Center.
In honor of Illinois Poison Prevention Month, the pharmacy students received poison education training and talked to children-kindergarten through fourth-grade-about the importance of staying away from cleaning supplies, medications and other potentially hazardous items. The visits were part of a community education outreach initiative.
"Each year approximately 1 million phone calls are placed to poison control centers nationally by adults seeking help when children have swallowed something harmful," said Bill Wuller, director of experiential education and a clinical associate professor of pharmacy practice for the School of Pharmacy.
"This was not intended to be a short-term lesson, but a lasting experience."
The pharmacy students reached more than 8,000 children in Madison and St. Clair counties.
3/29/07
AIA Touts SIUE Campus Among Great Places In Illinois
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) It's a great day to be a Cougar-and the campus at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a great place to be, according to the American Institute of Architects (AIA).
SIUE's campus buildings recently were featured among the top 150 Illinois Great Places by the AIA Illinois Council. The campus ranks with such popular structures as the Illinois State Capitol, the Old State Capitol, the Sears Tower, Wrigley Field, the home of Abraham Lincoln and Cahokia Mounds.
According to the AIA Illinois Council, the original campus buildings were designed by architect Gyo Obata of the firm Hellmuth, Obata and Kassabum Inc. "with a common vocabulary of strong masonry volumes connected by concrete and glass." The council's Web site continued, "The original six buildings have been expanded over the years, and the landscaping has now matured to create a campus that is both suburban and urban."
SIUE celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Since 1957, the University has grown from 1,776 students to nearly 13,500.
The 150 places designated were chosen by a selection committee comprised of architects in honor of the organization's 150th anniversary. For more information, visit the AIA Illinois Council Web site, http://www.illinoisgreatplaces.com/
3/27/07
Graduate School To Present Its Eleventh Annual Spring Symposium April 3rd
Grant writing expert Bob Lowman, an adjunct associate professor of psychology at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill will present "Twelve Keys to Successful Grant Writing" from 8:30-11 a.m. Tuesday, April 3, as part of the 11th Annual Spring Symposium at SIUE.
He will schedule from 1:30-4 p.m. individual appointments with faculty and staff to discuss proposal writing and tips on how to obtain funding. Lowman also is associate vice chancellor for research at UNC Chapel Hill.
The Paul Simon Outstanding Scholar Award Luncheon that same day will feature a presentation by Professor Allison Funk, of the Department of English Language and Literature, who is recipient of the 2006 Paul Simon Outstanding Scholar Award. The 2007 award recipient will be announced at the luncheon. Attendance at the luncheon is by invitation only.
For more information or to schedule an individual appointment with Lowman, contact Lil Manning, Ext. 3114, or by e-mail: limanni@siue.edu. To register for the workshop, contact Linda Skelton, Ext. 2958, or by e-mail: lskelto@siue.edu, as soon as possible. Refreshments will be served. Last minute attendees are welcome to the workshop as space permits.
Scholarly and creative publications by SIUE faculty and staff will be on display during the Symposium. University Archivist and Special Collections Librarian Stephen Kerber and Archives Specialist Amanda Bahr-Evola will be on-hand to answer questions about the collection. Bibliographies of the works on display will be available.
The Graduate Student Research Symposium will be conducted from 8:30-11 a.m., featuring paper presentations and poster exhibits by graduate students and students in the Undergraduate Research Academy. A $200 prize will be awarded to the best presentation and to the best poster. The Graduate School will offer a prize drawing for any currently enrolled SIUE student who attends one or more student presentation. First prize is an iPod Shuffle, second prize is a $50 iTunes gift card, and third prize is an SIUE sweatshirt. Refreshments will be available throughout the morning presentations. This event is open to the public.
The Chancellor's Researchers' Reception, honoring faculty and staff who submitted external grants from March 1, 2006, through Feb. 28, 2007, will begin at 4:30. Attendance at this event is by invitation only.
4/3/07
Weather Delays Cause Road To Remain Closed Until April 13
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Inclement weather has caused a two-week delay in the road project under construction at the intersection of North University Drive and New Poag Road on the north edge of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville campus.
Original estimates to re-open the road had been set at April 1.Project managers now say the work is expected to be finished April 13.
Earlier this year, the SIU Board of Trustees Executive Committee awarded a $296,588 contract to Keller Construction Co., of Glen Carbon, for improvements at the intersection. New construction of northbound lanes and placement of an overlay on the southbound lanes will provide a consistent surface.
In addition, a raised, curbed median is being constructed for landscaping to improve the appearance of the intersection. SIUE officials said the project is being paid for with money from the University's Operating Fund.
March 2007
SIUE School of Pharmacy Students Educate Youth On Poison Dangers
·AIA Touts SIUE Campus Among Great Places In Illinois
·SIUE School of Pharmacy Hosting Free Diabetes Information Program
·The Graduate School Will Present Its Eleventh Annual Spring Symposium April 3rd
·Weather Delays Cause Road To Remain Closed Until April 13
·SIUE Faculty Take Part In Research Conference At UM-St. Louis
·SIUE School of Nursing Set To Recognize "Jewels" At Excellence Gala
·West Coast Poet Reginald Lockett Comes to SIUE, East St. Louis Center
·SIUE Announces 2007 Distinguished Research Professors
·Changes
·Canadian Curator To Speak About Repatriation Practices In Manitoba
·31st Annual Coffee Concerts Series Ends Its Season April 2
·'Celebration Of World Faiths' Set For April 14 At Religious Center
·Notre Dame Philosophy Professor To Speak At SIUE For Marti Lecture
·2006-07 Season For The Child Ends With The 'Next' Hansel And Gretel
·SIUE Students Raise Their Voices On Environmental Issues
·SIUE Children's SummerArts Program Continues To Serve Area Youth
·SIUE Environmental Resource Training Center Recognizes Women
·SIUE's Indian Student Association Hosts A Wedding, Activities
·Simmons To Leave SIUE for Evansville
·SIUE Spring Faculty Symposium To Be Offered March 28
·Former Assistant Dean/Professor Emeritus Coy Dies
·SIU School of Dental Medicine Receives $100K To Promote Excellence
·SIUE's Brett Stamps' New CD Is A Tender T-Bone Feast
·March 23 North Carolina Dance Theatre A&I Event Sold Out
·Emeritus Chancellor Werner Named To National CHEA Committee
·January, February, March Employees Off The Month
·Stanford Professor, Author Visits Economics And Finance Faculty
·UCM Sponsors March 13 Appearance Of 'missFlag' At Religious Center
·'God And Nature' Is Topic Of March 14 WoRKS Dialogue
·Twenty-Fourth Annual SIUE Summer Writing Camp Set For June, July
·SIUE School of Education Grant Program Celebrated At State Level
·SIUE Business Student Recognized With Enterprise Leadership Award
·SIU Board Approves SIUE Athletics' Move To NCAA Division I
·SIU Board Of Trustees Considers Increase In Tuition
·SIUE Fee, Rental Rate Changes Considered By SIU Board Of Trustees
·Korte Stadium Repair, ·Early Childhood Center Expansion Approved
·New Student Fees Considered By SIU Board Of Trustees
3/30/07
SIUE School of Pharmacy Students Educate Youth On Poison Dangers
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) A group of local college students has visited area elementary classrooms to set the record straight on the dangers of poison.
First-year students from the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy visited area schools this month in collaboration with the Illinois Poison Control Center.
In honor of Illinois Poison Prevention Month, the pharmacy students received poison education training and talked to children-kindergarten through fourth-grade-about the importance of staying away from cleaning supplies, medications and other potentially hazardous items. The visits were part of a community education outreach initiative.
"Each year approximately 1 million phone calls are placed to poison control centers nationally by adults seeking help when children have swallowed something harmful," said Bill Wuller, director of experiential education and a clinical associate professor of pharmacy practice for the School of Pharmacy.
"This was not intended to be a short-term lesson, but a lasting experience."
The pharmacy students reached more than 8,000 children in Madison and St. Clair counties.
Caption: Pharmacy Student Kristy Ritcher educates a student at John Renfro Elementary School in Collinsville about the potential danger of poisons. Students from the School of Pharmacy talked to more than 8,000 in March, which has been named Illinois Poison Prevention Month.
3/29/07
AIA Touts SIUE Campus Among Great Places In Illinois
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) It's a great day to be a Cougar-and the campus at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a great place to be, according to the American Institute of Architects (AIA).
SIUE's campus buildings recently were featured among the top 150 Illinois Great Places by the AIA Illinois Council. The campus ranks with such popular structures as the Illinois State Capitol, the Old State Capitol, the Sears Tower, Wrigley Field, the home of Abraham Lincoln and Cahokia Mounds.
According to the AIA Illinois Council, the original campus buildings were designed by architect Gyo Obata of the firm Hellmuth, Obata and Kassabum Inc. "with a common vocabulary of strong masonry volumes connected by concrete and glass." The council's Web site continued, "The original six buildings have been expanded over the years, and the landscaping has now matured to create a campus that is both suburban and urban."
SIUE celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Since 1957, the University has grown from 1,776 students to nearly 13,500.
The 150 places designated were chosen by a selection committee comprised of architects in honor of the organization's 150th anniversary. For more information, visit the AIA Illinois Council Web site, http://www.illinoisgreatplaces.com/
3/29/07
SIUE School of Pharmacy Hosting Free Diabetes Information Program
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy is hosting a free diabetes information program at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, March 31.
The school is collaborating with the American Diabetes Association to offer the event at the SIUE School, 200 University Park Drive, Suite 200, Edwardsville. The Diabetes Association's mission is "to prevent and cure diabetes and improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes."
The event will feature speakers from the school's faculty, including Jessica Kerr and Christopher Lynch, assistant and associate professors of pharmacy practice, respectively. The educational opportunity is a chance for the association and SIUE to become partners in the effort.
"We will be presenting topics in the area of management for patients with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes mellitus," Kerr said. "We currently work together with patients in trying to optimize drug therapy, manage blood sugar and decrease the risk for complications of their condition."
Those who attend the event will receive an education about the history of diabetes and hear about new research initiatives and medications.
A diabetic-friendly breakfast will be served. Vendors will be on hand for an education fair and a question and answer session with diabetes experts will be conducted. For more information, call 1-888-DIABETES, ext. 6830, or e-mail scapps@diabetes.org.
3/27/07
The Graduate School Will Present Its Eleventh Annual Spring Symposium April 3rd
Grant writing expert Bob Lowman, an adjunct associate professor of psychology at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill will present "Twelve Keys to Successful Grant Writing" from 8:30-11 a.m. Tuesday, April 3, as part of the 11th Annual Spring Symposium at SIUE.
He will schedule from 1:30-4 p.m. individual appointments with faculty and staff to discuss proposal writing and tips on how to obtain funding. Lowman also is associate vice chancellor for research at UNC Chapel Hill.
The Paul Simon Outstanding Scholar Award Luncheon that same day will feature a presentation by Professor Allison Funk, of the Department of English Language and Literature, who is recipient of the 2006 Paul Simon Outstanding Scholar Award. The 2007 award recipient will be announced at the luncheon. Attendance at the luncheon is by invitation only.
For more information or to schedule an individual appointment with Lowman, contact Lil Manning, Ext. 3114, or by e-mail: limanni@siue.edu. To register for the workshop, contact Linda Skelton, Ext. 2958, or by e-mail: lskelto@siue.edu, as soon as possible. Refreshments will be served. Last minute attendees are welcome to the workshop as space permits.
Scholarly and creative publications by SIUE faculty and staff will be on display during the Symposium. University Archivist and Special Collections Librarian Stephen Kerber and Archives Specialist Amanda Bahr-Evola will be on-hand to answer questions about the collection. Bibliographies of the works on display will be available.
The Graduate Student Research Symposium will be conducted from 8:30-11 a.m., featuring paper presentations and poster exhibits by graduate students and students in the Undergraduate Research Academy. A $200 prize will be awarded to the best presentation and to the best poster. The Graduate School will offer a prize drawing for any currently enrolled SIUE student who attends one or more student presentation. First prize is an iPod Shuffle, second prize is a $50 iTunes gift card, and third prize is an SIUE sweatshirt. Refreshments will be available throughout the morning presentations. This event is open to the public.
The Chancellor's Researchers' Reception, honoring faculty and staff who submitted external grants from March 1, 2006, through Feb. 28, 2007, will begin at 4:30. Attendance at this event is by invitation only.
3/28/07
Weather Delays Cause Road To Remain Closed Until April 13
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Inclement weather has caused a two-week delay in the road project under construction at the intersection of North University Drive and New Poag Road on the north edge of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville campus.
Original estimates to re-open the road had been set at April 1.Project managers now say the work is expected to be finished April 13.
Earlier this year, the SIU Board of Trustees Executive Committee awarded a $296,588 contract to Keller Construction Co., of Glen Carbon, for improvements at the intersection. New construction of northbound lanes and placement of an overlay on the southbound lanes will provide a consistent surface.
In addition, a raised, curbed median is being constructed for landscaping to improve the appearance of the intersection. SIUE officials said the project is being paid for with money from the University's Operating Fund.
3/27/07
SIUE Faculty Take Part In Research Conference At UM-St. Louis
Six faculty members from the SIUE School of Education and one from the College of Arts and Sciences presented their research at the Sixth Annual Qualitative Research Conference at the University of Missouri-St. Louis earlier this month.
They shared research from two initially separate studies, one in the undergraduate elementary education program and one with experienced elementary teachers working with the support of the Mathematics and Science Leadership Grant Initiative (a federally funded grant program).
The faculty members are: Assistant Professor Ralph Cordova, Associate Professor Ann Taylor, Associate Professor Susan Breck and Assistant Professor Stephen Marlette, all of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction; Associate Professor Laurel Puchner, of the Department of Educational Leadership; and Assistant Professor Kathleen Fick, of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics
The SIUE team is beginning to make connections across these two projects as they study the span of teacher development. The research has found that teachers at both undergraduate and graduate levels are working with a strategy of inquiry known as "lesson study." The elementary education program has chosen lesson study as a process to support teacher candidates building inquiring stances or dispositions to their teaching.
Their program is unique nationally in using lesson study as an inquiry process to provide a vehicle to study teaching. The uniqueness also lies in elementary education faculty collaboratively developing a theoretical process and approach to studying the impact on candidate learning.
Click here for a photo of the faculty involved in the research (from left): Ann Taylor, Barbara O'Donnell, Kathleen Fick, Laurel Puchner, Susan Breck, Ralph Cordova and Stephen Marlette.
3/27/07
SIUE School of Nursing Set To Recognize "Jewels" At Excellence Gala
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's School of Nursing will recognize 2007 awardees at the annual Jewels of Nursing Excellence Gala at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, April 28, in the Holiday Inn Collinsville.
The evening will begin with a social hour, featuring a cash bar and a silent auction, and will continue with dinner and an awards presentation at 6:30 p.m. A live auction will follow at 8:30 p.m.
This year's award recipients include the following:
- Outstanding Hospital or Health Care Agency-Alton Memorial Hospital;
- Outstanding Friend to Nursing-Sam and Geri Winston;
- Outstanding Nursing SIUE Alumnus-James Cato, a 1978 graduate with a bachelor of science in nursing; and
- Outstanding New Nurse SIUE Alumna-Gretchen Henderson, a 1999 graduate with a master of science in nursing.
Tickets are $50 per person, with seating for 10 at each table; $500 for a sponsorship, which includes special recognition as a Sapphire Sponsor in the gala program. Cocktail attire is required.
Advance ticket sales only are available, with a purchase deadline of April 20. Each ticket is deductible up to $20, or $260 per table with a receipt from the SIUE Foundation.
To purchase tickets, or for more information, contact Kris Heather in the School of Nursing, (618) 650-2551, or by e-mail: kheathe@siue.edu.
3/27/07
West Coast Poet Reginald Lockett Comes to SIUE, East St. Louis Center
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) California poet Reginald Lockett, winner of the PEN Oakland/ Josephine Miles Literary Award for his book, The Party Crashers of Paradise, will give poetry readings and a writing workshop at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and at the SIUE East St. Louis Center on April 3.
Lockett, author of Good Times & No Bread, Where the Birds Sing Bass and Random History Lessons, will read at 12: 30 p.m. in Room 3417 of SIUE's Peck Hall. Also that day, he will present a 6 p.m. reading workshop in Room 1007, Library-Building B, of the East St. Louis facility, 601 J. R. Thompson Dr.
The reading workshop is co-sponsored by the Eugene B. Redmond Writers Club and the University. Both events are free and open to the public.
Lockett is a member of the WordWind Chorus, a word-music performance ensemble, and co-founder and vice-president of PEN Oakland, the first multicultural chapter of PEN in the United States. Lockett's poetry, reviews and stories have appeared in more than 50 journals, textbooks and anthologies, including Black Fire (the Black Arts manifesto collection edited by LeRoi Jones/Amiri Baraka and Larry Neal) and SIUE's Drumvoices Revue.
While he was a student at Oakland's McClymonds High School, a word from Lockett's poem, "The Black Flamingo," helped launch the school's first literary magazine, Flamingo. As part of the San Francisco cultural arts and activist scene, Lockett was a member of Black Arts West and the Black Panther Party in the late 1960s.
A former board member of the National Poetry Association, Lockett has taught English and creative writing for 33 years at the College of Marin, San Francisco State University and San Jose City College, where he currently is a professor of English. He has appeared at the World Stage in Los Angeles, River Styx at Duff's in St. Louis, California State U-Sacramento's Third World Writers and Thinkers Symposium and Le Petit Prince in Paris, France.
Lockett's last appearance in Metro East was in 1996 as a guest of the EBR Writers Club. According to Club President Darlene Roy, "We're delighted to have Reginald back with us and look forward to great readings and a vigorous workshop under his direction."
Other sponsors of the April 3 event are the SIUE Office of the Chancellor, the Office of Cultural and Social Diversity, the College of Arts and Sciences, the Department of English Language and Literature, and the Black Studies Program. For more information call (618) 650-3991.
3/27/07
SIUE Announces 2007 Distinguished Research Professors
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Two Southern Illinois University Edwardsville professors recently were recognized for their outstanding scholarly work and pursuits, said Stephen Hansen, SIUE's associate provost for research and dean of Graduate Studies and Research.
Rik W. Hafer, a professor and the chair of the Department of Economics and Finance in the School of Business, and Krzysztof Jarosz, a professor and the chair of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics in the College of Arts and Sciences, have been recognized as this year's Distinguished Research Professors for their scholarly contributions to their disciplines and to SIUE.
Both professors were chosen based on a decision by Hansen and SIUE's Committee of the Graduate Faculty. Driving the decision were each recipient's quality of research publications, the extent of grant activity, student mentoring and other scholarly initiatives.
"The Distinguished Research Professor rank recognizes professors' contributions to their disciplines and to SIUE," Hansen said. "Members of the faculty who have made outstanding contributions to research as a result of their continued commitment to scholarship after their promotion to professor are recognized."
Before coming to SIUE as a faculty member in 1989, Hafer was a research officer with the Federal Reserve banks of Atlanta and St. Louis, and held teaching positions at Saint Louis University and the University of Missouri-St. Louis. He also was a visiting associate professor and then adjunct associate professor at Washington University in St. Louis.
His research initiatives include the study of monetary policy in the U.S. and abroad, specifically how monetary policy actions influence the economy. Hafer has published 27 articles, three books and received 13 grants and contracts.
"I approach research as a means to answer interesting questions," he said. "Research activity should be defined broadly, extending beyond publishing articles in academic journals, writing books and participating in professional meetings.
"While such output provides a foundation to gauge someone's success in research, I think that other research-based activities also merit attention."
Jarosz has been with SIUE since 19880. His area of research interest is modern analysis, which is a new line of research of international significance that incorporates mathematic concepts involving Banach and topological algebras and function spaces to solve long-standing, open problems. He has published dozens of articles in top mathematics and statistics journals.
He also has received 10 grants and contracts with which to study from such prestigious sources as the International Exchange Board, the Endowment for the Humanities, the National Research Council, the National Science Foundation and the Fulbright Scholar Program.
Jarosz has presented his research and collaborated with other professionals at the the University of Cantabria, the University of Madrid and the University of Granada; as well as four Italian universities, five Indian universities and universities in Estonia and Poland.
"I strongly believe that the researchers, especially the more senior ones, have an obligation not only to contribute directly to the advancement of knowledge by conducting scientific investigations and publishing research papers, but are also responsible for making indirect impact on the discipline by serving as editors, organizing international meetings, delivering research lectures and mentoring students," he said.
3/27/07
Changes
Retirements
- Margaret Bertels, a secretary for International Student Services, effective March 1 after more than nine years.
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Barbara Brooks, business/administrative associate at the School of Dental Medicine, effective Feb. 1 after more than 30 years.
- Roger Diepholz, a shipping/receiving clerk for the Office of Purchasing, effective Feb. 1 after nearly 19 years.
- James Royston, an officer in University Police, effective March 1 after more than 33 years.
- Lloyd Schleyhahn, a building service sub-foreman for the Office of Facilities Management, effective Feb. 1 after nearly 22 years.
- Anthony Traxler, director of the Gerontology Program and a professor in the School of Education, effective March 1 after more than 37 years.
3/26/07
Canadian Curator To Speak About Repatriation Practices In Manitoba
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Kevin Brownlee, first national curator of archaeology for the Manitoba Museum in Canada, will speak at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, April 12, about how archaeologists in Manitoba are working successfully with native Canadian communities in the research of native artifacts. The event is co-sponsored by student activity fees, the SIUE Anthropology Club and the SIUE Department of Anthropology.
In the United States, some archaeologists and anthropologists have criticized the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) that was passed into law in 1990. It requires that archaeologists in this country ultimately return artifacts to native peoples after research has been completed. Some anthropologists contend NAGPRA is a hindrance to complete research.
Brownlee-appearing in the Mississippi Room, on the second floor of SIUE's Morris Center-will speak about "A Win-Win Model for Repatriation: First Nations/Archaeology Relations in Manitoba Today." He maintains that Canadian archaeologists have found a way to work with native peoples on the subject of artifact research and repatriation.
Brownlee refers to the "struggle under NAGPRA" but that at least in Manitoba there are "model relations" between archaeologists and native peoples.
Light refreshments will be available from 3-3:30 p.m. and after Brownlee's presentation from 4:30-5 p.m.
Click here for a photo of Kevin Brownlee
3/26/07
31st Annual Coffee Concerts Series Ends Its Season April 2
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The 31st Annual Coffee Concerts Chamber Music Series comes to a close Monday, April 2, at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville with the music of Mozart, Schumann, Tann and Juon.
The evening of music is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. in Meridian Ballroom, on the first floor of SIUE's Morris Center. Proceeds from the Coffee Concerts series supports the SIUE music scholarship fund. Sponsors include the SIUE Department of Music; the SIUE Friends of Music, a support organization for the department; and the Morris Center.
Selections for the April 2 event include the Trio in C Major, K. 548, for Piano, Violin and Cello by Mozart; Nothing Forgotten for Violin, Cello and Piano by Hilary Tann; Trio Miniaturen for Clarinet, Cello and Piano by Paul Juon; and the Quartet in E-flat Major, Op. 47, for Piano, Violin, Viola and Cello by Robert Schumann.
Featured performers include violinist Lenora-Marya Anop, an associate professor of music; violist Victoria Brannan, instructor; clarinetist James "Mac" Hinson, associate professor; pianist Linda Perry, professor of music; and cellist Marta Simidtchieva, an assistant professor, all of the SIUE music faculty.
Tickets are $10; senior citizens, $9; and students, $5. Admission includes a dessert and beverage served during intermission, and convenient parking in the visitors' lot adjacent to the Morris Center.
For ticket information or to make a reservation, call the SIUE Department of Music, (618) 650-3900.
3/26/07
'Celebration Of World Faiths' Set For April 14 At Religious Center
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Friends of the Religious Center (FRC), a support group for the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Religious Center, is sponsoring its Fifth Annual A Celebration of World Faiths (CWF) at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 14, at the domed center, located on the SIUE campus between the Morris University Center and the Art and Design Building.
This year's program theme is "Religion, Nature and the Environment."
Various world faiths are represented at the CWF, and this year there will be three: Judaism, the Sikh faith of India, and Baha'i. Speakers from each faith will address the topic of nature and the environment in their tradition. Each group will give a brief presentation, followed by a question-and-answer discussion, all moderated by Lucian Stone, an SIUE professor of philosophy and Religious Studies. Presenters will include: Galit Greenfield, Prithvi P. Singh, M.D., and Craig Loehle.
Greenfield is emissary from Israel for the Jewish Federation of Southern Illinois and has been involved with other events at the Religious Center.
Singh is a medical doctor who shared the following quotation from the Sikh scriptures: "The material body is overflowing with falsehood and deception and man therefore commits sins. The godly person practices devotional worship by which the celestial music swells up. Without this devotional worship worldly filth cannot be removed," he said. "Nanak says: 'Such a blessed person sheds selfishness and conceit from within and is dear to beloved Lord.'"
Loehle earned a doctorate in mathematical ecology and has worked for the U.S. Department of Energy and also for the Argonne National Laboratory. He has authored 62 scientific papers, 33 technical reports and two books, and currently is owner of Loehle Enterprises, a scientific software and consulting firm in Naperville. He has been a member of the Baha'i faith since 1978.
A variety of refreshments with ethnic themes will be served at the April 14 event, which is free and open to the public. Free parking is available in Lot B on South Circle Drive between the Religious Center and Morris University Center. For more information or directions please contact (618) 650-3246 or go to www.siue.edu/religion .
The goal is an evening of learning and fellowship, and an opportunity to tell visitors more about the Friends of the Religious Center and about the WoRKS Group-Edwardsville project. The FRC is dedicated to preserving the Religious Center as the place on campus for serving the spiritual needs of SIUE students, as well as preserving its architectural importance.
" WoRKS is an acronym for World Religions, Knowledge, and Science," explained SIUE Professor Gregory Fields, chair of WoRKS and the grant's principal writer. The WoRKS Group meets during the academic year, and conducts a study group and a distinguished speakers' series, inviting influential thinkers for public presentations and open discussion.
Fields said WoRKS is an initiative of the Metanexus Institute "which seeks to encourage thoughtful and dynamic exploration of the interrelationship of science and religion, to promote greater appreciation of these issues, and to enhance increased cooperation between science and religion." The group's co-chair is SIUE Emeritus Physics Professor George Henderson.
The SIUE Religious Center is a geodesic dome in the form of a transparent replica of planet Earth. It was designed in 1971 by renowned theorist and inventor R. Buckminster Fuller. "The Religious Center is dedicated to keeping religious faith and experience in dialogue with higher education, and serves both the campus and the regional public," Fields said.
The FRC was formed seven years ago as a support group for the center, Fields pointed out. "The FRC board of directors is made up of about a dozen members of the university community and the surrounding community at-large. Also included in the group are the two ministerial directors headquartered at the center.
"We all share an interest in the Religious Center for its programming available to the university community and for its architectural significance."
3/23/07
Notre Dame Philosophy Professor To Speak At SIUE For Marti Lecture
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) A professor from the University of Notre Dame-considered one of the leading figures today in the study of contemporary metaphysics and the philosophy of religion-will speak at 5 p.m. Thursday, March 29, for the 32nd Annual Fritz Marti Lecture, sponsored by the Department of Philosophy at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
Peter van Inwagen, Notre Dame's John Cardinal O'Hara Professor of Philosophy, will speak about "We're Right, They're Wrong" in the Oak-Redbud Room, on the second floor of SIUE's Morris Center. A reception is scheduled with Inwagen at 4 p.m. that day in the same location. After the talk, time is allotted for comments and discussion until 6:30 p.m.
Before joining the faculty at Notre Dame in South Bend, Ind., Inwagen taught for many years at Syracuse University. He earned a doctorate at the University of Rochester, where he studied with Richard Taylor and Keith Lehrer.
Some scholars say that Inwagen's An Essay on Free Will (Oxford University Press, 1983) renewed the discussion of libertarianism and free will within the study of analytical philosophy. The lecture is free and open to the public.
The Marti Lecture was established in spring 1976 to honor the memory of then Philosophical Studies Emeritus Professor Fritz Marti, who taught at SIUE from 1966-1971. For more information, call the Department of Philosophy, (618) 650-2250.
3/22/07
2006-07 Season For The Child Ends With The 'Next' Hansel And Gretel
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Hansel and Gretel, who now work for the Fairy Tale Crisis Hot Line, will be the center of attention as A Season for the Child presents Hansel and Gretel: The Next Generation at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 24, at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
A Season for the Child, closing its 18th year of presenting family-oriented theater to Southern Illinois audiences, features professional theater troupes from St. Louis that stage adaptations of various children's stories using interactive techniques that not only delight children and parents but also provide a learning experience.
Hansel and Gretel: The Next Generation is an original musical created by the Imaginary Theatre Company of St. Louis and will be staged in the theater in SIUE's Katherine Dunham Hall as part of the family series offered each year by the Friends of Theater and Dance (FOTAD), a support organization for the SIUE Department of Theater and Dance. FOTAD offers a variety of events each year to raise money for scholarships for qualified SIUE students in the theater and dance program.
The action of the March 24 play involves a child who is "trapped" in multiple fairy tales and needs rescuing. It's the next chapter of the original Hansel and Gretel story in which we discover that scary places don't have to be so bad and that everyone has the ability to find the strength to get through life's scary times and back to a happy place.
Tickets are $5 per person and may be obtained through the SIUE Fine Arts box office, (618) 650-2774.
3/22/07
SIUE Students Raise Their Voices On Environmental Issues
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Southern Illinois University Edwardsville students will raise their voices, tackling environmental and other issues through Project Dirty Laundry from April 2-6 on campus.
Events are sponsored by numerous SIUE student groups, including Raise Your Voice, the Sociology Club, the Student Social Work Association, the Political Science Association, the Interfaith Varsity Coalition, Making Waves, Sexual Orientation and Transgender Alliance and the Residence Hall Association.
Activities throughout the week will include:
• A Clothesline Display presented through Project Dirty Laundry from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday, April 2, in the Stratton Quadrangle, featuring information about social and economic injustices and providing visitors an opportunity to express concerns in writing about the presented topics to win environmentally friendly prizes;
• Project Dirty Laundry table displays open to visitors from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., with the eARTh Conscious Art Bazaar from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The tables and the bazaar will be presented in the Goshen Lounge, on the first floor of SIUE's Morris Center. Also, a brief showing of the film, Inconvenient Truth, will be offered in Goshen Lounge from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.; a full showing in Meridian Ballroom, also on the first floor of the Morris Center, from 2-4 p.m., with a brief discussion to follow from 4-5 p.m.;
• The College of Arts & Sciences will present Thinking About The Environment-an environmental colloquial with paper presentations and break-out sessions-throughout the day from 10-2 p.m. in the Goshen.
• The environmental colloquial will continue from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday, April 6, in Goshen Lounge. Also, Hunter Lovins, founder of National Capitalism Solutions and an internationally known advocate for economic and environmental energy and climate-protection initiatives, will speak from 1-2 p.m. and take part in a book signing in the Goshen from 2-3:30 p.m. Information about Lovins is available at http://www.natcapsolutions.org.
"We are really excited about these events because this provides an avenue for many communities, disciplines and people of all ages to come together and share their thoughts about the environment," said Leah Orwig, a second-year SIUE graduate student who is pursuing a master's in social work.
"We are at a point now, where the public is beginning to take notice of what scientists are saying about global warming before politicians choose to take action."
Orwig, 23, is the graduate assistant to the SIUE Student Leadership Development Program and Volunteer Services.
3/21/07
SIUE Children's SummerArts Program Continues To Serve Area Youth
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Department of Art and Design's art education area will presents its Children's SummerArts Program beginning June 11 with workshops designed for children and teen-agers up to age 18. The summer offering is part of the University's SummerArts program.
At the junior and senior level (ages 13-18), workshops will be offered in drawing and painting, computer graphics, printmaking, ceramics and sculpture, fiber arts and digital photography. Classes are scheduled to begin June 11, with offerings in primary children's art (ages 6-8), until July 27 with most offerings continuing two to three weeks.
According to Art and Design Professor Dennis Taylor, head of the department's art education area, the workshops provide quality, affordable art experiences for young students. "This is a special opportunity for participants to create and learn in a university studio environment," Taylor said.
For more information, call Darlene Darby, (618) 650-3183.
3/20/07
SIUE Environmental Resource Training Center Recognizes Women
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Heather Wierciak, 33, of Caseyville needed a career that allowed her the earning power to take care of her 12-year-old son after her divorce.
She found that career path through a year-long drinking and wastewater treatment program at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. With job postings of entry level positions starting at $15-$20 per hour, Wierciak said she was ready to take the plunge by enrolling in the program at the Environmental Resource Training Center (ERTC), part of the SIUE School of Engineering.
"I realized that as a teacher, I didn't make enough money," she said. "My father heard about the program and told me about it. It's math and science based, and those are subjects I enjoy."
The ERTC is celebrating Women's History Month in March by acknowledging the efforts of its female students. ERTC Director Paul Shetley explained the program is aimed at people of all ages who are seeking a vocational certificate in drinking and wastewater treatment.
The SIUE center is the only one of its kind providing the necessary training to professionals in the St. Louis Metropolitan Area.
Wierciak, who earned an associate of science from Southwestern Illinois College, taught pre-kindergarten students in Madison County for seven years. She qualified for some Pell grants, allowing her to shift gears and take part in the certification program. She now is preparing for two, five-week internships-one with the Caseyville Township Wastewater Treatment Plant and the other with the city of Collinsville Water Treatment Plant. Upon completion, she will earn her certification and then graduate July 26.
"Female water operators are not a new phenomenon in the water industry, but they are in the minority," Shetley said. She also pointed out the program promises to prepare students with valuable tools to enter a potentially well-paying career field.
"Without such training like we have at the ERTC, we very well might not have safe drinking water, and there would be wastewater polluting rivers, lakes and streams."
Currently there are 19 students involved in the training program in the state-three of them are women. The SIUE program has offered specialized training in drinking and wastewater management since 1979, Shetley said, adding that the concept for the center was born out of the U.S. Clean Water Act of 1972.
The ERTC provides classroom and hands-on laboratory training, while students learn to operate the Center's 30,000 gallon-per-day, training-scale water treatment plants, Shetley said. The Center also offers workshops, short school programs and special events held throughout the state as continuing education opportunities.
For more information, call the ERTC, (618) 650-2030.
3/19/07
SIUE's Indian Student Association Hosts A Wedding, Activities
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The theme of this year's India Week celebration is MEHFIL: Celebrating India Together, and activities have been planned to bring Asian culture, cuisine and customs to the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville campus.
"'Mehfil' means celebrating India together," said Nagendra Vakeel, a graduate student studying electrical engineering through the School of Engineering, and the Indian Student Association (ISA) president. "We are hoping to show a good representation of the Indian community and culture to others."
Wedding bells will be ringing at 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 20, as the ISA invites the campus community and visitors to a mock wedding service in Morris University Center's Goshen Lounge. Two already married SIUE student-members of the ISA will exchange vows and celebrate their union at a reception to follow.
Asian foods will tickle taste buds on campus from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday, March 21, in the Stratton Quadrangle. Indian, Chinese, Thai, Pakistani and Afghani cuisines will be available for purchase to benefit the organization.
Activities will take place in the Goshen Lounge from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday, March 22, kicking off with Music: Essence of Life, a presentation of Indian classical music by Jyotsana, who is an SIUE student, and featuring Indian games and dancing. The Goshen also will be the center for the sale of Indian goods and services, including jewelry and henna tattoos.
India Night will take place from 6-10 p.m. Saturday, March 24, in the Meridian Ballroom of the Morris University Center. The night will feature live music, exotic Indian cuisine, a fashion show and dance performances. Tickets are $15 for general admission; $12 for students.
For more information call (618) 650-5555.
3/15/07
Simmons To Leave SIUE for Evansville
EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. - Marty Simmons, who led Southern Illinois University Edwardsville to its first Elite Eight appearance in men's basketball in 2006, immediately will resign his position at SIUE to take the head coaching position at the University of Evansville.
SIUE Director of Athletics Brad Hewitt said an immediate search would begin to find a replacement for Simmons. Hewitt said the Cougars will be looking for a head coach who can build on Simmons' record and off his success as SIUE prepares to make the transition into NCAA Division I athletics.
"While we would rather not see Marty go, we recognize how great of an opportunity this is for him and his family," said Hewitt. "Marty has propelled SIUE's men's basketball program to a new level, and we are thankful for all that he has done."
Simmons returns to his alma mater to lead the Purple Aces, where he previously was an assistant coach from 1990 to 1996 and 1997 to 2002. Simmons also was named among the top 15 players of all-time at Evansville in 2005.
Simmons coached at SIUE for five seasons and led the Cougars to an 88-59 record during his stay. He took SIUE to the NCAA Tournament in his third season as head coach in 2004-2005; the Cougars' first time in 15 seasons. SIUE returned to the NCAA Tournament in 2005-2006, winning the NCAA Division II Great Lakes Regional Championship and advancing to the Elite Eight after breaking the school record for wins with 25.
The Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) Coach of the Year in 2004-2005, Simmons helped SIUE to appear in the NCAA Division II national rankings in 16 weeks over the past three seasons.
3/15/07
SIUE Spring Faculty Symposium To Be Offered March 28
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Dan Bernstein, a professor of psychology at Kansas University and director of KU's Center for Teaching Excellence, will be the keynote speaker during Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's Spring Faculty Symposium, March 28, with its theme of faculty as "a collective body with ownership of the curriculum."
Bernstein's keynote at 1:30 p.m. that day-Collective Responsibility of Faculty for Student Learning-will be followed by a poster presentation of SIUE faculty drawn from the Classroom Instructional Research Program Scholars.
That in turn will be followed by a comparison and discussion of collective and individual curriculum responsibility led by Bernstein and Paul Gaston, provost of Kent State University and formerly an associate provost at SIUE.
Bernstein earned a bachelor's in psychology at Stanford in 1968 and a doctorate in psychology at the University of California at San Diego in 1973. He was a professor of psychology at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln from 1973-2002 when he took his current position at KU. His primary research focuses on human motivation and learning, including work with adults and children in non-laboratory settings.
Gaston earned a doctorate and a master's in English at the University of Virginia, where he was a Woodrow Wilson Fellow, a DuPont Fellow and a Woodrow Wilson Dissertation Fellow. He is author of two books and of more than 40 scholarly articles on subjects ranging from interart analogies, the poetry of George Herbert and the fiction of Walker Percy, to academic strategic planning, the Higher Education Act and the assessment of educational outcomes.
The entire symposium program begins at 1 p.m. in the Conference Center, on the second floor of the Morris University Center. All faculty members are invited to attend the four-hour event.
3/15/07
Former Assistant Dean/Professor Emeritus Coy Dies
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Richard E. Coy, professor emeritus and former assistant dean of the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine, died Tuesday, March 13, at Eden Village Retirement Center from complications arising from pneumonia. He was 81.
Originally from New Kensington, Pa., Coy began his career in the U.S. Armed Forces, serving from 1943-45 as a hospital corpsman on the U.S.S. Currituck AV-7 for the U.S. Navy. He spent part of his time while in the service as a dental officer in the U.S. Naval Hospital in Yokosuka, Japan.
Coy graduated from the University of Pittsburgh's School of Dental Medicine, earning a B.S. degree in 1949, a D.D. S. in 1951 and an M.S. in prosthodontics in 1959. He married Grace McKallip in 1957; she and the couple's two children and five grandchildren survive.
Coy maintained a private practice and taught at his alma mater until 1970.
He taught at the SIU School of Dental Medicine from December 1970 until he retired as the assistant dean and a professor emeritus in September 1985.
The author of dozens of articles in dental journals and a national and international lecturer for post-graduate and continuing education programs, Coy was appointed a professor and head of the removal of prosthodontics at Washington University's School of Dentistry in St. Louis from 1985-1988. He was in private practice in Belleville until 2001.
While there will be no visitation ceremony a memorial service will take place to honor Coy at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 24, at Eden United Church of Christ in Edwardsville.
Internet visitors can sign a guest register online at weberfuneralhome.com.
Memorials are suggested to the SIUE Foundation to benefit the School of Dental Medicine or the University of Pittsburgh's School of Dental Medicine.
3/14/07
SIU School of Dental Medicine Receives $100K To Promote Excellence
(ALTON, Ill.) A $100,000 endowment gift to the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine will mean continuing education opportunities for dental school faculty members, paving the way to enhance an already rigorous and challenging curriculum for students.
Cliff Neill taught at the School of Dental Medicine in Alton from 1974 to 1985. He and his wife, Virginia Neill, currently live in Carbondale, where Neill practices dentistry. A natural educator, Neill still serves as an adjunct faculty member at the school.
Neill said he and his wife are committed to the continuing education of dental medicine professionals, noting, "The SIU School of Dental Medicine is already recognized as being of outstanding quality. Our intention is to acknowledge-as is true in all professions-the rate of change and growth in dentistry.
"With that thought in mind, we must be prepared to make constant change and never accept the status quo. In the words of G.V. Black, one of the founders of modern dentistry, 'The professional man or woman has no right to be anything other than a continuous student.'"
The couple requested that the gift be used to support faculty training activities at the School of Dental Medicine. Neill expressed a particular interest in supporting courses that would promote a comprehensive understanding of the entire masticatory system, which includes the organs and structures of the jaw and its related muscles, the temporomandibular joints, the tongue, the lips, the cheeks and the mucous membranes. Neill further asked that the Dean determine the scope of the courses and attendees.
"While the use of these dental techniques among our faculty members is prevalent, it is not universal," said Ann Boyle, dean of the SIU School of Dental Medicine. "Dr. and Mrs. Neill's faculty development endowment will provide yet another tool for our faculty to help us in our efforts to consciously and continuously advance our promise of excellence in dental education."
As a Christmas gift, other members of the Neill family, including their son, Mike, and daughter, Cindy Belmont, contributed an additional $5,000 to the endowment.
3/12/07
SIUE's Brett Stamps' New CD Is A Tender T-Bone Feast
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The moment you hear the first track of Brett Stamps' new CD, In Your Own Sweet Way (Victoria Records), you know you're in for a mellow, but exciting, experience of virtuoso trombone melodies and riffs. And, the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Jazz Studies Program director says he's literally playing the music of his life on these recordings.
"This is the music I listened to coming up," Stamps said. "These are the standards I've added to my repertoire throughout the years, tunes I've listened to for 30 or 40 years." He's talking about old favorites such as "I Remember You" and "Sweet Georgia Brown," as well as "I Can't Get Started" and a samba version of the Tommy Dorsey classic "I'm Getting' Sentimental Over You" that has a nice groove to it.
There's also the latin version of the title track, jazz pianist Dave Brubeck's "In Your Own Sweet Way," redefining the tune very nicely. "This CD is a tribute to (trombonists) Dorsey, J.J. Johnson, Kai Winding, Urbie Green, Frank Rosolino and Carl Fontana," Stamps explained. "These are the musicians I've listened to throughout my career and who have influenced my playing."
Stamps came up through the U.S. Army Field Band Jazz Ambassadors and later the Stan Kenton organization, two groups for which he performed, recorded and arranged. He was with the University of Miami Concert Jazz Band and also taught at the Miami-Dade Community College New World Center before coming to SIUE in 1979 to establish the University's Jazz Studies Program.
He earned a bachelor of music at the College of William and Mary in 1970 and a master of studio music and jazz pedagogy at the University of Miami in 1975. He has performed in many venues throughout the St. Louis area including the Fox and the Muny, and has conducted various jazz clinics on both sides of the Mississippi River.
"But, this is my first album," Stamps said. He has appeared on several CDs as part of various ensembles but this is his first recording on which he fronts the band. "I've been on a lot of recordings, so I thought it was time. Bill Becker of Victoria Records and I had talked about a project in the past and we decided to do it."
Becker agreed to let Stamps pick the musicians and make the recording, while Victoria would create the pressings. "Bill made a donation to the University to use our recording studio," Stamps said. "We laid down the tracks over three evenings, about seven hours; most of the cuts were done in two takes. We didn't even use a metronome and we stayed on tempo throughout. It was amazing."
He's joined on the CD by colleague and long-time friend Rick Haydon, the SIUE guitar professor and proponent of the seven-string guitar who released a CD of his own last year with guitarist Johnny Pizzarelli Jr.; bassist Zeb Briskovich; and drummer Miles Vandiver. Vandiver, who played in an SIUE combo when he was 14, went on to earn a bachelor's in music and later became the adjunct trap set instructor in the University's music department.
"By the way, all three of these guys are graduates of the SIUE Jazz Studies program."
In fact, Stamps and Haydon have been playing together since 1980, while Vandiver came on board in the mid-1990s. It's not difficult to believe-these three are playing on the CD as if they're reading each other's minds. "Rick's a great accompanist and all of these musicians are great to play with," Stamps said.
The CD is available at Webster Records, 117 W. Lockwood, Webster Groves, Mo.; on-line: victoriarecords.net/artists.html; or through Stamps by calling (618) 650-2026.
In the CD's liner notes, Stamps writes: "The game plan for this CD was to keep it simple and swing hard." Mission accomplished.
3/12/07
March 23 North Carolina Dance Theatre A&I Event Sold Out
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The March 23 performance of the North Carolina Dance Theatre, part of the 2006-07 Arts & Issues series at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, is sold out.
"We are happy with the response to the North Carolina Dance Theatre's appearance and we're sorry not everyone will have the opportunity to see this wonderful troupe of dancers," said Karen Bollinger, acting coordinator of the series for the SIUE College of Arts and Sciences.
"We're providing this information about the sold out concert so that other patrons will not make an unnecessary trip to campus for tickets."
The April 28 appearance of the Glenn Miller Orchestra, the final show of the 2006-07 season, also is sold out.
3/9/07
Chancellor Emeritus Werner Named To National CHEA Committee
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) Board of Directors recently named Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Emeritus Chancellor David Werner to its nationwide Committee on Recognition.
Serving a one-year term as part of a staggered term structure on the nine-person committee, Werner will help review and make recommendations to the CHEA board regarding accreditation procedures. He was among 87 nominations considered by the board.
An educator for nearly 40 years at SIUE, Werner also has been a long-time advocate and participant in accreditation organizations during his educational career. During the 2005-06 academic year, Werner served as interim president of Mansfield University in Pennseylvania. He also served a brief stint in Japan consulting with educators there about accreditation procedures.
"CHEA is one of two groups that 'recognizes' college and university accrediting agencies," Werner explained. "The other is the U.S. Department of Education. Unlike Education, CHEA is a non-profit, non-governmental organization whose members are primarily the universities and colleges in the U.S.," he said.
"In effect, the universities, through CHEA, recognize (or give legitimacy) to the accreditors. My job, as part of the Recognition Committee, is to help review currently recognized or applicant accreditors to determine if they meet the standards for recognition by CHEA."
CHEA is considered a national advocate and institutional voice for self-regulation of academic quality through accreditation procedures. The association consists of 3,000 degree-granting colleges and universities, and recognizes 60 institutional and programmatic accrediting organizations. SIUE is accredited through the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association.
In addition to Werner, members of the committee represent the Accrediting Council for Independent College and Schools, Alcorn State University, Connecticut State University, the Education Policy and Leadership Center, Florida State University, the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, Kaplan University and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
3/9/07
January, February , March Employees Of The Month
Congratulations: Johnnie Soto, a supervisor in the Food Services area, is recipient of the January Employee Recognition Award. Soto is shown in the photo with Bill Canney, assistant director of the Morris Center in charge of Dining Services, who nominated Soto for the award. In this photo, Gale Hoedebeck, administrative secretary for the dean's office in the School of Business, is recipient of the February Employee Recognition Award. Hoedebeck is flanked by Judy Woodruff, the School's Development director who nominated Hoedebeck for the award, and Tim Schoenecker, interim dean of the School. At far left is Kenn Neher, vice chancellor for Administration. In the third photo, Leah Wildhaber, a secretary in the Department of Anthropology, is recipient of the March Employee Recognition Award. Wildhaber (second from right) is shown here with (from left) Wendy Shaw, associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; Julie Holt, chair of the department who nominated Wildhaber for the award; Carl Springer, associate dean of CAS; and, at far right, Kent Neely, dean of the College. All three of the winners each received a $25 gift certificate to the SIUE Bookstore, a parking spot close to his or her office for one month, and two complimentary lunch coupons to the University Restaurant. (SIUE Photos by Denise Macdonald)
3/9/07
Stanford Professor, Author Visits Economics And Finance Faculty
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) John Taylor, the Raymond Professor of Economics at Stanford University and the McCoy Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution, participated in a wide-ranging dialogue with the Department of Economics and Finance about teaching economics to undergraduates.
Taylor brings a wealth of expertise to the topic. He was the founding director of Stanford's Introductory Economics Center. He also is author of a best-selling principles of economics text.
An award-winning teacher, Taylor and the SIUE faculty exchanged ideas about making economics more accessible in a variety of classroom settings. He stressed that regardless of the delivery method, the approach "must have the student in mind." Since not all students learn in the same way, he suggested a "combination approach" to the subject. According to Taylor, that concept would include standard lectures but also the use of in-class experiments.
Taylor also took time to discuss his experiences as an economist making public policy. From 2001 to 2005 he served as Under Secretary of Treasury for International Affairs. As Under Secretary he was responsible for U.S. international finance policies, which included overseeing the financial portion of the fight against terrorism. Taylor's recent book, Global Financial Warriors: The Untold Story of International Finance in the Post-9/11 World, chronicles his time as head of Treasury's international division.
Click here for photo
3/7/07
UCM Sponsors March 13 Appearance Of 'missFlag' At Religious Center
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) missFlag, an alternative rock band from Israel, will appear at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 13, at the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Religious Center. The event is sponsored by the United Campus Ministries (UCM) and presented by the Jewish Federation of Southern Illinois with support from the Consulate General of Israel to the Midwest.
Billed as the most popular band on the Web site myspace.com, the Boston Globe said missFlag "brings a beautiful shambling sensibility to the epic chord changes and winsome melodies." The five-piece band from Jerusalem has been compared with Coldplay, another popular international group.
The band boasts "hundreds of thousands" of plays on the Web site and can be heard at www.myspace.com/missflag. The March 13 concert is free and open to the public.
The UCM, with offices at the SIUE Religious Center, represents the American Baptist Churches USA, the United Methodist Church, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the Presbyterian Church (USA), the United Church of Christ, and the Church of the Brethren. UCM integrates fellowship, service, study, and worship for students, faculty, and staff, "to provide a place to grow and to be challenged, with acceptance and love."
3/7/07
'God And Nature' Is Topic Of March 14 WoRKS Dialogue
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) "God and Nature" is the topic of a March 14 presentation by the World Religions, Knowledge, and Science (WoRKS) Group, Edwardsville, which offers dialogues about religion and science for the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville community and surrounding communities throughout the academic year.
SIUE Philosophy Professor Gregory Fields will conduct the dialogue at 7:30 p.m. in the SIUE Religious Center, the geodesic dome designed by famed theorist R. Buckminster Fuller at SIUE. WoRKS also conducts a Distinguished Speakers Series.
The March 14 presentation and dialogue is part of the WoRKS Study Group series which is discussing the book When Science Meets Religion: Enemies, Strangers or Partners? by Ian Barbour. Readings are optional, and participants may attend any or all of the monthly dialogues.
WoRKS Group events are free and open to the public. Parking is available for $1 per hour in Visitor's Lot B, between the Religious Center and the Morris University Center.
The WoRKS Group-Edwardsville is one of approximately 240 science and religion dialogue groups worldwide supported by Metanexus Institute, which seeks to encourage thoughtful and dynamic exploration of the interrelationship of science and religion.
The group's initial three-year series of events is funded by a grant from the Metanexus Institute, with matching funds provided by the SIUE Graduate School, the Office of the Provost, the College of Arts and Sciences, the Department of Philosophy, the University Religious Council and the Friends of the Religious Center.
For more information, contact Greg Fields by telephone, (618) 650-2461, or by e-mail: gfields@siue.edu, or visit www.metanexus.org.
3/7/07
Twenty-Fourth Annual SIUE Summer Writing Camp Set For June, July
(EDWARDSVILLE, ILL.) The 24th Annual Summer Writing Day Camp at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has been set for two sessions Monday through Friday, June 18-June 29 and July 9-20.
Enrollment per session is limited to 50 students, ages eight through 18, according to Camp Director Susan Garrison, an instructor in the Department of English Language and Literature.
The camps are open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with several hours of classroom development activity, plus recreation periods for softball, swimming, volleyball, bowling, billiards, board games, and nature exploration, among others. In addition, older students will have opportunities to explore other aspects of SIUE campus life, such as attending classes in session, and visit facilities, such as WSIE-FM.
Garrison said writing periods have an excellent pupil-teacher ratio-about eight to one-with development of skills articulating thought in the sentence, the paragraph, and the short essay, as well as, by means of collaborative effort, in such creative forms as drama and fiction. Students at all grade levels will use computers extensively in the composition process, but participants do not need prior experience with computers to do well in the program.
She also pointed out that individual instruction in grammar, spelling, and punctuation and other basics of language usage is provided as needed but she also said this is not the total objective of the program. Garrison will be assisted at the day camp by recreational counselors, as well as area elementary and secondary teachers and university lecturers.
The fee for either of the day camp sessions is $190, which includes a non-refundable $15 enrollment fee upon registration. The $175 balance is due no later than June 14 for the first session or July 5 for the second session. For more information, call the SIUE Department of English Language and Literature, (618) 650-2060, or, from St. Louis toll-free, (888) 328-5168, Ext. 2060.
3/6/07
SIUE School of Education Grant Program Celebrated At State Level
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Education faculty and partner agencies will receive recognition this week in the state capitol for the success of a grant program aimed at enriching educators in the areas of mathematics and science.
Some local elementary school teachers have been using summer vacations to beef up their math and science teaching skills, thanks to SIUE's Mathematics and Science Leadership Initiative (MASLI) grant.
The annual Capitol Showcase for the Illinois Mathematics and Science Partnerships, held in Springfield on Thursday, March 8, will allow classroom teachers, scientists, mathematicians, engineers and higher education experts to share experiences and research findings with professionals across the state.
Last summer, 30 elementary school teachers from Collinsville and Granite City school districts took part in the grant program, which is a partnership between SIUE School of Education faculty members and staff members of the Madison County Regional Office of Education. Faculty from the University's College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Engineering organized learning programs featuring geometry and environmental education concepts.
Patsy Conway and Nina Maddox of the Collinsville Intermediate School will present the findings of a study, Water Works, while Annette Heth, Donna Moody and Sherry Piffner of Summit Elementary School in Collinsville will highlight a lesson plan promoting better understanding of geometric concepts, Tetrominoes Cover-up.
Money from federal legislation through the No Child Left Behind program mandates the formation of mathematics and science partnerships throughout states, said Barbara O'Donnell, associate professor of Curriculum and Instruction in the School of Education.
"During the past three years, the partnerships have provided outstanding opportunities for professional development in mathematical inquiry and problem-solving, scientific inquiry and technological design," she said. "The partnerships have emerged from local districts, colleges and universities and a wide diversity of science, technology, engineering and mathematics leaders from our local communities.
"At SIUE the partnership has afforded an additional benefit. Many of the teachers involved in the grant serve as cooperation teachers for SIUE's Elementary Education Program. This provides teachers with an insight into the program and gives us common ground: providing the best instruction for the students in their classrooms as well as their teacher candidates."
3/5/07
SIUE Business Student Recognized Enterprise Leadership Award
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Victoria A. Harris of Richton Park, a business major at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, recently was honored with the Enterprise Rent-A-Car Foundation Student Leader of the Month Award for January.
Harris will graduate from SIUE this May with a bachelor of science in business administration, with a focus in human resources.
Harris' award is in recognition of her work as a member of the SIUE chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), which seeks to engage and educate students and the community regarding the importance of the human resource profession.
Ashley McNeil, president of SHRM, said, "Victoria is not only active in student organizations, but she also is an outstanding community member. SHRM is proud to nominate Victoria and feels no one deserves this award more than her."
As vice president of SHRM, Harris is required to schedule speakers for monthly meetings and network with local professionals. Other duties include monitoring the organization's progress toward national SHRM Annual Merit Award.
In addition to her campus activities, Harris volunteers with Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Southwestern Illinois, which serves to enrich, encourage and empower children through safe, fun and positive mentoring relationships. Harris has been matched with a "little sister" and meets with her twice a month.
In response to the news that she won the Enterprise award, Harris said, "This is really an honor. More than anything, I am grateful for the many opportunities that the SIUE School of Business has provided and for the outstanding faculty."
The award carries with it a $50 stipend and certificate. In addition, Harris will be recognized at a reception in the spring that will honor all Enterprise Rent-A-Car Foundation award recipients, providing SIUE business students an opportunity to network with Enterprise executives.
The SIUE School of Business is among an elite 15 percent of business schools worldwide that have earned the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation, a seal of approval that the SIUE School has earned each year since 1975. SIUE's accountancy program also is accredited through AACSB. Less than 33 percent of AACSB-accredited business schools hold an accounting accreditation.
3/1/07
SIU Board Approves SIUE Athletics' Move To NCAA Division I
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Cougars have been given approval to apply for reclassification to NCAA Division I for all sports in the SIUE program. SIUE Intercollegiate Athletics currently participates at the NCAA Division II level.
The SIU Board of Trustees passed the resolution Wednesday at its regular monthly meeting conducted on the SIU Carbondale campus.
Commenting on the vote by the board, SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift thanked the SIU Board of Trustees for its support. "I appreciate the board's confidence and forward thinking in this matter," Vandegrift said. "We now have several steps to follow before we apply for reclassification. "During the board meeting, Vandegrift told board members the University must:
- Immediately seek a new conference affiliation (SIUE currently is in the Great Lakes Valley Conference);
- Appoint a reclassification work group during March to assist in all aspects and tasks related to reclassification;
- Inform the GLVC in May of SIUE's intention to join a new conference; and
- Apply to the NCAA for reclassification to Division I by June 1.
"I'd also like to thank the University community and the external community for all the support of this decision," Vandegrift said. "We will continue to seek support as we move through the steps needed to become a Division I athletics program."
The Chancellor said he formulated his recommendation for reclassification to Division I after taking into consideration the findings of the Intercollegiate Athletics Task Force (IATF)-made up of SIUE students, faculty, staff, alumni, and residents of the surrounding communities to study the future of the SIUE athletics program.
He also said he considered information gathered from the University community and members of nearby communities, as well as comments gathered by the IATF during various open forums.The IATF spent 16 months analyzing the pros and cons of moving to Division I, creating a hybrid program of Division I and Division II sports, or staying within Division II. For information about the process, visit the SIUE Athletics Web site.
Intercollegiate Athletics Director Brad Hewitt pointed out that the Cougars finished fourth overall nationally during the 2005-06 season among the NCAA Division II institutions in the U.S. Sports Academy Directors' Cup. "After the fall season we were 29th and we expect to significantly improve on that ranking position given the success of women's basketball, men's and women's indoor/outdoor track, softball and baseball.
"I have no doubt that we can be competitive at the 'mid-major' DI level. "Hewitt also said he is excited by the process. "Personally, I am very excited about this whole process," Hewitt said. "It's very assuring that the IATF's work and the SIUE Intercollegiate Athletics Committee will help guide Intercollegiate Athletics to its next step."
SIUE has won 16 national championships in its history, including two in men's soccer (1972, 1979), seven in men's tennis (1978 through 1984), three in wrestling (1984-85-86) and four in women's tennis (1986-87-88-89). The 1979 men's soccer team won the championship as a Division I program.
3/1/07
SIU Board Of Trustees Considers Increase In Tuition
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Under a proposal considered Wednesday by the Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees, new undergraduate students entering SIU Edwardsville this fall would pay $469.50 more in annual tuition than new students who entered the University in fall 2006. The proposal is part of the University's guaranteed tuition plan, under which students pay their entering tuition rate for four years.
The proposal, given first reading at the board's regular meeting at SIU Carbondale, would create an annual tuition rate of $5,227.50 for new undergraduate students entering this coming fall. Students who entered SIUE in fall 2006 currently pay a $4,758 rate. The proposal will see a final vote at the board's April 12 meeting on the Edwardsville campus.
The SIUE plan also calls for $14,520 annual tuition rate for the SIUE School of Pharmacy and and $19,960 annual tuition rate at the SIU School of Dental Medicine in Alton. Pharmacy students currently are paying $13,200 annually and dental students currently are paying $18,150 annually.
The SIUE School of Pharmacy, the only such school in downstate Illinois, opened its doors in fall 2005 and currently enrolls more than 160 students. This year, the number of applicants for fall 2007 has substantially increased, with more than 80 percent of them residents of Illinois.
The SIU School of Dental Medicine has been serving the healthcare needs of Southern Illinois for more than 30 years by graduating quality dental care professionals, many of whom practice in downstate Illinois.
3/1/07
SIUE Fee, Rental Rate Changes Considered By SIU Board Of Trustees
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees on Wednesday gave first reading to fee-related changes that will affect the SIU Edwardsville campus, including changes in the student fees for Information Technology, for Textbook Rental and for the Student Academic Success Center.
Other student fees considered for change include those for the University Center, Intercollegiate Athletics, Student-to-Student Grants, the Student Fitness Center and Welfare and Activity.
The changes were offered as information items to the Board at its regular meeting conducted at SIU Carbondale. Board members will offer a final vote at their April 12 meeting.
The Academic Success Center fee would change from $30 per semester to $55.20 beginning in fall and would represent the second phase of a plan to fund the proposed center to accommodate services for the needs of a growing student population. The center would provide 58,000 square feet of space for all student services in one central location. In FY09, the fee would drop to $37.20 in its final phase.
Under the Textbook Rental fee proposal for undergraduate students, the change would mean the average SIUE student (enrolled in 15 credit hours) would pay $144 in one semester as opposed to the current fee of $128.25. With textbook costs continually increasing, often resulting in hundreds of dollars in expense at other schools, the SIUE textbook rental program is popular among students.
The Information Technology fee would change from $6 per credit hour to $6.20, resulting in the average SIUE student (enrolled in 15 credit hours) paying $93 per semester as opposed to $90 per semester currently. This fee helps defray the costs of supporting computing resources and networking infrastructure on campus.
Below is a chart of proposed changes in other student fees:
Per Semester (for a full-time student)
FY07 FY08 Change
SWAF*: $ 76.75 $ 86.55 +$ 9.80
Athletics: $ 62.20 $ 71.20 +$ 9.00
Student-to-Student Grant Fee:
$4.00 $6.00 +$ 2.00
MUC: $143.65 $148.00 +$ 4.35
Student Fitness Center
$55.30 $62.30 +$ 7.00
The Board also considered for first reading changes in SIUE's housing rental fees effective in fall and a change in the Housing Activity Fee effective summer term.
Under the proposals, rental rates for a shared room at Woodland, Prairie and Bluff residence halls would be $2,085 per semester compared with the current charge of $1,985. A deluxe single room would cost $4,170 compared with $3,970 now. Housing rates at the newly constructed Evergreen Hall would be $2,325 for a shared apartment compared with $3,100 for a private apartment. A studio apartment would be assessed at $4,350 per semester while a private suite rate would be $2,630.
Meal plan fee changes for students in the residence halls will range from $40 more per semester for Plan A (most popular) to $50 more per semester for Plan B.
Upperclassmen residing in Cougar Village Apartments will pay $1,730 per semester for a shared room compared with $1,645 paid currently, while a single room would cost $2,570 compared with $ 2,445 now. A deluxe single room would be assessed at $3,460 per semester compared with $3,290 now.
Families in Cougar Village, now paying $815 per month for a two bedroom unfurnished apartment, would pay $855 per month in fall 2007 and $880 in fall 2008. The same family paying $955 per month now for a furnished apartment would pay $1,000 per month in fall 2007 and $1,030 in fall 2008. Families in a three-bedroom unfurnished apartment now paying $915 per month would pay $960 per month in fall 2007 and $990 in fall 2008; a three-bedroom furnished is now $1,065 per month and would be $1,120 in fall 2007 and $1,155 in fall 2008.
Under a separate proposal, the Board also considered today a change in the Campus Housing Activity fee for family residents at SIUE during summer term from $26.50 to $40 per term, effective this summer. This fee supports programming, activities and services at the Family Resource Center at Cougar Village.
3/1/07
Korte Stadium Repair, Early Childhood Center Expansion Approved
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees on Wednesday approved a repair and renovation project for Ralph Korte Stadium at SIUE Edwardsville at an estimated cost of $1.5 million to be paid with a combination of University operating funds and/or a university loan.
The board gave the project and budget approval at its regular meeting conducted on the SIU Carbondale campus.
Repairs and renovations at the Stadium, on the west side of campus, will be made to prevent future water leaks, repair current water damage and resolve structural and maintainability issues. The Stadium was constructed in 1994-95.
The Board also approved some $30,000 in planning funds for expansion of the Early Childhood Center, which would need separate approval by the board. The expansion is expected to cost approximately $2 million.
The Early Childhood Center currently has facilities for 76 children with a waiting list of more than 130. According to planners, the lack of available quality childcare has become a recruitment and retention issue for faculty members and students who need this service. In addition, the current space limitations are not conducive to learning.
The renovation and expansion project would provide additional space for more than 30 students, provide observation and seminar areas for students and provide a large storm shelter in the basement of the building at Circle Drive and Northwest Road.
3/1/07
New Student Fees Considered By SIU Board Of Trustees
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees on Wednesday considered two new fee-related items that will affect the SIU Edwardsville campus: a Facilities Maintenance fee and a Nursing program fee.
Both fees will go into effect fall semester. The board will offer a final vote at its April 12 meeting. Wednesday's meeting was conducted on the Carbondale campus; the April 12 meeting is scheduled on the Edwardsville campus.
Under the Facilities Maintenance fee proposal, the average SIUE student (enrolled in 15 credit hours) would pay $236.25 per semester for repairs and renovations in the "core" University buildings-Lovejoy Library, Peck Hall, Founders Hall, Alumni Hall, Dunham Hall, Rendleman Hall and the Science Building.
A 2004 study of the condition of major campus buildings indicates that deferring maintenance past a building's economic life will only cause repair costs to rise rapidly, becoming an unnecessary drain on funding resources. Such practice also would fail to make the buildings adaptable to changing user demands.
The seven buildings identified for renovation and repair were constructed between 1965 and 1979. The Illinois Board of Higher Education recommends that buildings be renovated at least every 50 years.
In addition, bleachers in the Vadalabene Center are badly in need of replacement, while the building also needs additional classroom and storage space. The fee also would help with a utilities shortfall because of rising costs of electricity and gas.
To better address the nursing workforce shortage in Illinois, the SIUE School of Nursing has considerably increased its enrollment. The Nursing program fee has been proposed to address the significant costs of clinical courses. Historically, the School of Nursing has absorbed these costs.
While graduate and students in the accelerated bachelor of science in nursing (ABSN) program will pay the $220 fee per clinical course beginning in fall, the fee will be phased in for all other nursing students. Graduate and ABSN students are not included in the University's guaranteed tuition plan.
As an example of the full four-year impact under the new fee, freshmen entering in fall would not be assessed. When they become sophomores they will pay $440 in program fees. As juniors and seniors, they will pay a total of $880 in program fees each year. Nursing upperclassmen take more clinical courses than sophomores.
A study shows that even with the increase in fees, SIUE's Nursing program would still be the least expensive when compared with five other Nursing Schools at public and private universities in the state, including the University of Illinois.
Back to topFebruary 2007
·SIUE Student From Salem Recognized With Enterprise Award
· SIU Board Of Trustees Considers Increase In Tuition
SIUE Fee, Rental Rate Changes Considered By SIU Board Of Trustees
Korte Stadium Repair, Early Childhood Center Expansion Approved
New Student Fees Considered By SIU Board Of Trustees
· SIUE Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Chosen For National Post
· SIUE Entrepreneurship Week USA Filled With Engaging Activities
·SIUC's Wiltowski, Blackburn To Speak On Alternative Energy March 16
·SIUE Housing Staff Members Receive ISRAA Top 10 Award
·SIUE Residence Housing Association To Play Host To State Conference
·Supporters On And Off SIUE Campus Are In Favor Of NCAA-I Move
·Multicultural Student Reception set for Feb. 19
·Freshman Applications Continue To Rise At SIUE
·SIUE To Present Dark Comedy The Altruists Feb. 21-25
· Program Will Bring Middle Eastern Literature To Area Children
·Former St. Louis Television News Anchor To Speak At Social Work Gala
·7th Annual Childcare Expo Set For March 3 In Aviston
·SIUE Marketing Team Wins Seven National Awards
·East St. Louis Center To Present Journey of the Amistad Feb. 24
·37th Annual Antiques Show And Sale Set For March 17-18 At SIUE
·'For The Love Of Music' To Showcase Student Musicians Feb. 12
· Purlie Victoriuos On Stage Feb. 7-11 At The Metcalf Theater
·SIU School of Dental Medicine's Give Kids a Smile Day Is Success
·SIUE's Schaefer To Speak About Edo Language, Oral Tradition
·President And CEO of Bunge North America Visits SIUE
· SIUE To Hold Open House Feb. 24 For Potential Students
MEDIA ADVISORY/PHOTO OPPORTUNITY: SIU/SDM To Present Give Kids A Smile Day
SIUE, Mackey MItchell Take Prizes From International Competition
·Members Of The Imani Winds Ensemble Take Time To Teach During Recent Visit
2/28/07
SIUE Student From Salem Recognized With Enterprise Award
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Allison R Olden of Salem, a business major at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, recently was honored with the Enterprise Foundation Rent-A-Car Student Leader of the Month Award for February.
Olden will graduate from SIUE this May with a bachelor of science in business administration, specializing in international business with a focus on the Chinese language.
The Enterprise Foundation award recognized Olden for her work as vice president of the SIUE chapter of the International Business Association (IBA). The IBA is aimed at enhancing student awareness of international business by promoting social and professional relationships between U.S. students, international students and companies.
IBA President Michelle Carpenter said: "Allison has been the most committed among our members this year and has been vital to our success. She is full of ideas and has shown great leadership by organizing a tour of Anheuser-Busch and Schlafly breweries, in which IBA members and exchange students compared a local brewery with an international one."
In addition to IBA, Olden is a member of the Kimmel Student Leadership Development Program at SIUE, which provides students community service and volunteer opportunities in the region.
When she learned she was a recipient, Olden said: "My motto is that unless you try to do something beyond what you have already mastered, you will never grow. Being part of the IBA has allowed me to challenge myself, and I am very thankful for that.
"I am also thankful to Enterprise and to the SIUE School of Business. Both of these organizations stress the importance of campus involvement, which is so important to student development."
The Enterprise award carries with it a $50 stipend and a certificate of recognition. In addition, Olden will be recognized at a reception in the spring that will honor all Enterprise Rent-A-Car award recipients, also providing SIUE business students with an opportunity to network with Enterprise executives.
The SIUE School of Business is among an elite 15 percent of business schools worldwide that have earned the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation, a seal of approval that the SIUE School has earned each year since 1975.
SIUE's accountancy program also is accredited through AACSB. Less than 33 percent of AACSB-accredited business schools hold an accounting accreditation.
2/28/07
SIU Board Of Trustees Considers Increase In Tuition
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Under a proposal considered today by the Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees, new undergraduate students entering SIU Edwardsville this fall would pay $469.50 more in annual tuition than new students who entered the University in fall 2006. The proposal is part of the University's guaranteed tuition plan, under which students pay their entering tuition rate for four years.
The proposal, given first reading today at the board's regular meeting at SIU Carbondale, would create an annual tuition rate of $5,227.50 for new undergraduate students entering this coming fall. Students who entered SIUE in fall 2006 currently pay a $4,758 rate. The proposal will see a final vote at the board's April 12 meeting on the Edwardsville campus.
The SIUE plan also calls for $14,520 annual tuition rate for the SIUE School of Pharmacy and and $19,960 annual tuition rate at the SIU School of Dental Medicine in Alton. Pharmacy students currently are paying $13,200 annually and dental students currently are paying $18,150 annually.
The SIUE School of Pharmacy, the only such school in downstate Illinois, opened its doors in fall 2005 and currently enrolls more than 160 students. This year, the number of applicants for fall 2007 has substantially increased, with more than 80 percent of them residents of Illinois.
The SIU School of Dental Medicine has been serving the healthcare needs of Southern Illinois for more than 30 years by graduating quality dental care professionals, many of whom practice in downstate Illinois.
2/28/07
SIUE Fee, Rental Rate Changes Considered By SIU Board Of Trustees
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees today gave first reading to fee-related changes that will affect the SIU Edwardsville campus, including changes in the student fees for Information Technology, for Textbook Rental and for the Student Academic Success Center.
Other student fees considered for change include those for the University Center, Intercollegiate Athletics, Student-to-Student Grants, the Student Fitness Center and Welfare and Activity.
The changes were offered as information items to the Board at its regular meeting conducted today at SIU Carbondale. Board members will offer a final vote at their April 12 meeting.
The Academic Success Center fee would change from $30 per semester to $55.20 beginning in fall and would represent the second phase of a plan to fund the proposed center to accommodate services for the needs of a growing student population. The center would provide 58,000 square feet of space for all student services in one central location. In FY09, the fee would drop to $37.20 in its final phase.
Under the Textbook Rental fee proposal for undergraduate students, the change would mean the average SIUE student (enrolled in 15 credit hours) would pay $144 in one semester as opposed to the current fee of $128.25. With textbook costs continually increasing, often resulting in hundreds of dollars in expense at other schools, the SIUE textbook rental program is popular among students.
The Information Technology fee would change from $6 per credit hour to $6.20, resulting in the average SIUE student (enrolled in 15 credit hours) paying $93 per semester as opposed to $90 per semester currently. This fee helps defray the costs of supporting computing resources and networking infrastructure on campus.
Below is a chart of proposed changes in other student fees:
Per Semester (for a full-time student)
FY07 FY08 Change
SWAF*: $ 76.75 $ 86.55 +$ 9.80
Athletics: $ 62.20 $ 71.20 +$ 9.00
Student-to-Student Grant Fee:
$4.00 $6.00 +$ 2.00
MUC: $143.65 $148.00 +$ 4.35
Student Fitness Center
$55.30 $62.30 +$ 7.00
The Board also considered for first reading changes in SIUE's housing rental fees effective in fall and a change in the Housing Activity Fee effective summer term.
Under the proposals, rental rates for a shared room at Woodland, Prairie and Bluff residence halls would be $2,085 per semester compared with the current charge of $1,985. A deluxe single room would cost $4,170 compared with $3,970 now. Housing rates at the newly constructed Evergreen Hall would be $2,325 for a shared apartment compared with $3,100 for a private apartment. A studio apartment would be assessed at $4,350 per semester while a private suite rate would be $2,630.
Meal plan fee changes for students in the residence halls will range from $40 more per semester for Plan A (most popular) to $50 more per semester for Plan B.
Upperclassmen residing in Cougar Village Apartments will pay $1,730 per semester for a shared room compared with $1,645 paid currently, while a single room would cost $2,570 compared with $ 2,445 now. A deluxe single room would be assessed at $3,460 per semester compared with $3,290 now.
Families in Cougar Village, now paying $815 per month for a two bedroom unfurnished apartment, would pay $855 per month in fall 2007 and $880 in fall 2008. The same family paying $955 per month now for a furnished apartment would pay $1,000 per month in fall 2007 and $1,030 in fall 2008. Families in a three-bedroom unfurnished apartment now paying $915 per month would pay $960 per month in fall 2007 and $990 in fall 2008; a three-bedroom furnished is now $1,065 per month and would be $1,120 in fall 2007 and $1,155 in fall 2008.
Under a separate proposal, the Board also considered today a change in the Campus Housing Activity fee for family residents at SIUE during summer term from $26.50 to $40 per term, effective this summer. This fee supports programming, activities and services at the Family Resource Center at Cougar Village.
2/28/07
Korte Stadium Repair, Early Childhood Center Expansion Approved
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees today approved a repair and renovation project for Ralph Korte Stadium at SIUE Edwardsville at an estimated cost of $1.5 million to be paid with a combination of University operating funds and/or a university loan.
The board gave the project and budget approval at its regular meeting conducted on the SIU Carbondale campus.
Repairs and renovations at the Stadium, on the west side of campus, will be made to prevent future water leaks, repair current water damage and resolve structural and maintainability issues. The Stadium was constructed in 1994-95.
The Board also approved some $30,000 in planning funds for expansion of the Early Childhood Center, which would need separate approval by the board. The expansion is expected to cost approximately $2 million.
The Early Childhood Center currently has facilities for 76 children with a waiting list of more than 130. According to planners, the lack of available quality childcare has become a recruitment and retention issue for faculty members and students who need this service. In addition, the current space limitations are not conducive to learning.
The renovation and expansion project would provide additional space for more than 30 students, provide observation and seminar areas for students and provide a large storm shelter in the basement of the building at Circle Drive and Northwest Road.
2/28/07
New Student Fees Considered By SIU Board Of Trustees
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees today considered two new fee-related items that will affect the SIU Edwardsville campus: a Facilities Maintenance fee and a Nursing program fee.
Both fees will go into effect fall semester. The board will offer a final vote at its April 12 meeting. Today's meeting was conducted on the Carbondale campus; the April 12 meeting is scheduled on the Edwardsville campus.
Under the Facilities Maintenance fee proposal, the average SIUE student (enrolled in 15 credit hours) would pay $236.25 per semester for repairs and renovations in the "core" University buildings-Lovejoy Library, Peck Hall, Founders Hall, Alumni Hall, Dunham Hall, Rendleman Hall and the Science Building.
A 2004 study of the condition of major campus buildings indicates that deferring maintenance past a building's economic life will only cause repair costs to rise rapidly, becoming an unnecessary drain on funding resources. Such practice also would fail to make the buildings adaptable to changing user demands.
The seven buildings identified for renovation and repair were constructed between 1965 and 1979. The Illinois Board of Higher Education recommends that buildings be renovated at least every 50 years.
In addition, bleachers in the Vadalabene Center are badly in need of replacement, while the building also needs additional classroom and storage space. The fee also would help with a utilities shortfall because of rising costs of electricity and gas.
To better address the nursing workforce shortage in Illinois, the SIUE School of Nursing has considerably increased its enrollment. The Nursing program fee has been proposed to address the significant costs of clinical courses. Historically, the School of Nursing has absorbed these costs.
While graduate and students in the accelerated bachelor of science in nursing (ABSN) program will pay the $220 fee per clinical course beginning in fall, the fee will be phased in for all other nursing students. Graduate and ABSN students are not included in the University's guaranteed tuition plan.
As an example of the full four-year impact under the new fee, freshmen entering in fall would not be assessed. When they become sophomores they will pay $440 in program fees. As juniors and seniors, they will pay a total of $880 in program fees each year. Nursing upperclassmen take more clinical courses than sophomores.
A study shows that even with the increase in fees, SIUE's Nursing program would still be the least expensive when compared with five other Nursing Schools at public and private universities in the state, including the University of Illinois.
2/27/07
SIUE Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice Chosen For National Post
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) has chosen Christopher Herndon, assistant professor of Pharmacy Practice for the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy, as facilitator for pain management on the executive committee of the ASHP Section of Clinical Specialists and Scientist's (SCSS).
Herndon will serve as the facilitator until Dec. 31, 2008. He will organize network activities at the 2007 and 2008 Midyear Clinical meetings in Las Vegas and at Orlando, Fla., respectively.
Herndon also will act as a resource for the ASHP on issues involving the specialty of therapeutic pain management; lending his expertise through media interviews and providing position statements when needed. "I'm honored to be asked to serve in this role," Herndon said. "Many of my colleagues across the country devote their professional attention to the problem that is the undertreatment of pain, largely due to fear and misconceptions about the medications we traditionally use to address pain.
"I hope that this post will afford me the opportunity to assist in confronting these barriers to effective pain control." The organization will look to Herndon for feedback regarding its implementation and review of educational programming.
"This appointment recognizes Dr. Herndon's leadership role among pharmacists in the pain management arena, and supports the contemporary nature of SIUE's pharmacy curriculum," said SIUE School of Pharmacy Dean Philip Medon.
2/26/07
SIUE Entrepreneurship Week USA Filled With Engaging Activities
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Business and the Southwestern Illinois Entrepreneurship Center are offering several activities on campus today through-Friday, Feb. 26-March 2, in honor of Entrepreneurship Week USA.
Activities will include:
• The e-shirt Design Challenge, which will allow students to demonstrate design skills by introducing SIUe logo-inspired T-shirts in a competition. Designs will be displayed and judged from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 26, in Goshen Lounge, on the first floor of the Morris Center.
• The Ultimate Pizza Cook-Off, featuring individuals and teams of two, from 6-9 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 27, in the multi-function room, on the first floor of Woodland Hall. Contestants will create their own concept pizzas and bake them for a battle to determine whose product is the most tasty and original. Categories include Most Creative Pizza and Tastiest Pizza. Basic pizza ingredients and crusts will be provided, but participants are encouraged to incorporate nontraditional ingredients.
• Bio-Diesel Basics, part of a seminar series co-sponsored by the Academy of Science-St. Louis, the Entrepreneurship Center, the Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois and SIUE, will take place from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Friday, March 2, in the Technology and Management Center in University Park. The cost to participate is $20 and includes a box lunch.
For registration information, or more information, contact the Entrepreneurship Center, (618) 650-2161.
2/21/07
SIUC's Wiltowski, Blackburn To Speak On Alternative Energy March 16
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) James W. Blackburn and Tomasz S. Wiltowski, both professors in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Energy Processes at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, will speak from 2-3:30 p.m. Friday, March 16, about research surrounding the search for more efficient alternative fuels.
The presentation will take place in the auditorium just off the lobby of the SIU Edwardsville Engineering Building. The presentations are part of an ongoing seminar series sponsored by the SIUE School of Engineering.
Blackburn, also a professor of civil and environmental engineering at SIUC, will speak about "Reducing the Amount of Dry Distillers Grains (DDGs) Byproduct from Dry Grind Ethanol Plants." He will point out cost-effective ways to process DDG in the ethanol production process.
Wiltowski, associate director of the Coal Research Center at the Carbondale campus, will talk about the "Road to Hydrogen Economy." He will discuss how hydrogen power can play a large part in the global economy as well as how coal and natural gas plays a part in hydrogen production.
A chemical engineer from Poland, Wiltowski has been very active in various fields in chemical engineering with an emphasis in energy processes and catalysis. He earned a doctorate at the Institute of Catalysis at the Polish Academy of Sciences in Krakow. At SIUC he has taught several subjects including thermodynamics, heat transfer and mass transfer.
Also a chemical engineer, Blackburn earned a doctorate at the University of Tennessee. Before joining the faculty at Carbondale, Blackburn had environmental appointments at Dow Chemical and at Exxon Corporate Research. He also has taught at Tennessee. Since the mid-1980s Blackburn's research interests have included a heavy emphasis on bioenergy and bioenvironmental processes.
For more information about the lectures, call (618) 650-2541.
Photos: Wiltowski | Blackburn
2/21/07
SIUE Housing Staff Members Receive ISRAA Top 10 Award
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Two University Housing staff members at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville received "Top Ten Program" awards at the Illinois State Resident Assistant Association (ISRAA) conference from Feb. 9-11 at Western Illinois University in Macomb.
Founded in 1984 at Northern Illinois University, ISRAA is a member-operated organization dedicated to providing information, communication, recognition and collaboration for students employed as Resident Assistants (RAs). Any college or university in the state of Illinois with a residential housing program is eligible for membership.
The annual conference is a three-day event during which delegations from member schools meet to network and exchange ideas. Delegates participate in educational sessions to learn about issues facing college students and strategies for being successful in an RA role.
University Housing staff members presented two of the Top 10 programs at the conference-Diana Gravatt, RA, Cougar Village, and Tricia Maniaci, assistant community director, Cougar Village-presented "Eyes Wide Shut," in which they challenged attendees to look past their own morals or beliefs to see that people can accept each other despite differences. Maniaci said "…it is crucial for people to understand one another in order to work together on the multicultural university campus.
"RAs must help students relate to avoid conflict, create relationships, and foster harmony in their communities."
Maniaci also presented the other Top 10 program that explored miscommunication and what RAs can do about it. "Let Them Eat Cake!" suggested activities to deal with the "he said/she said" situations that invariably crop up when people live together.
SIUE presented two other sessions in addition to the award winners: "A Tale of Social Justice" by Sarah Wyatt Kirkpatrick, community director, Cougar Village, and "Modern Chivalry" by Diana Gravatt and Robert Yost, RAs in Cougar Village. Other University Housing staff in attendance at the ISRAA conference included: Drue Palmer, Josh Craig and Eric Shelton from Cougar Village; Malinda Nwobodo, Jake Presley and Shane Stephens from Prairie Hall; and Laurel Williams from Woodland Hall. Professional staff members Kirkpatrick and Maniaci served as advisors to the SIUE delegation.
SIUE University Housing has a long tradition of involvement with the ISRAA organization, including playing host to the 2005 annual conference at SIUE. "I feel it's very important to support our student leaders in the RA role," said Housing Director Michael Schultz.
"ISRAA gives students a chance to share experiences, wisdom and stories with those in similar roles at other institutions," Schultz said. "This information exchange helps us better meet the current and emerging needs of our residential students."
2/21/07
SIUE Residence Housing Association To Play Host To State Conference
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Residence Housing Association will play host to the 2007 Illinois Residence Halls Association (IRHA) conference Feb. 23-25.
More than 200 student leaders from colleges and universities throughout the state will travel to SIUE for a two-day leadership conference focusing on individual and group development, programming and event coordination, social justice issues and recognition ideas.
Featuring a safari theme, the conference will hold opening ceremonies and school roll call at the City Museum in downtown St. Louis.
IRHA was founded in 1971 to facilitate idea-sharing between residential student leaders in the state of Illinois. Any school with on-campus housing may become a member. The annual conference was created for idea-sharing and to recognize at an awards ceremony the outstanding contributions of student leaders.
Current members include Augustana College, Bradley University, DePaul University, Eastern Illinois University, Northern Illinois University, Illinois State University, Loyola University in Chicago, North Central College, SIU Carbondale, SIU Edwardsville, Western Illinois University and the University of Illinois-Chicago. The Illinois Institute of Technology and the University Center of Chicago are new members this year.
This year's IRHA 2007 Planning Committee consists of Brennan Stephenson (senior, Cougar Village), conference chair; Heather James (junior, Bluff Hall), conference program; Brittany Marron (senior, Bluff Hall), registration; Kassie Silvey (junior, Prairie Hall), dining and hospitality; Brent Whipple (sophomore, Woodland Hall), finance and co-sponsorship; Scott Kapraun (senior, Cougar Village), security and transportation; Ram Gopal (sophomore, Woodland Hall), entertainment; Becca Mead (sophomore, off-campus), spirit and philanthropy; and Megan Sage (sophomore, Cougar Village), bid chair. The group is advised by University Housing staff members Justin Allen, Matt Crouse and Emery Jordan.
2/16/07
Supporters On And Off SIUE Campus Are In Favor Of NCAA-I Move
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) As Southern Illinois University Edwardsville awaits an SIU Board of Trustees decision expected on Feb. 28 about whether the SIUE Cougars will have a green light to move to an NCAA Division I program, the list of supporters-on and off campus-has grown.
The Alestle, the SIUE student newspaper, has supported the move to DI, referring to the proposed reclassification as a "good idea" in an editorial. Meanwhile, SIUE Student Government resolved that it will actively participate "in a productive manner" in the decision making process that follows a reclassification to Division I.
Discussion in Student Government did express concern about a rise in student fees to help defray costs but it also was noted that an annual increase in the Athletics fee would be phased in over three years beginning in the 2008-09 academic year. "No new student fees for Division I Athletics will be collected in 2007," said SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift. "Funding will come primarily from those fees-$150 annually, phased in over a three-year period beginning in 2008-and community support," Vandegrift said.
He also said student fee increases will be subject to SIU Board of Trustee policy, SIUE policy, and the student fee review process.
Vandegrift presented his DI recommendation Jan. 11 at the board's regular monthly meeting, noting the SIUE Intercollegiate Athletics program has been highly successful for many years at Division II. "And, with Board approval, we will continue to perform at a high level against Division I teams," Vandegrift said.
He pointed out the SIUE academic programs compete at the highest level nationally and the Athletics program should as well. "SIUE is currently an NCAA Division I university in all areas except Athletics."
Off campus, the list of supporters is impressive: Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois, the Regional Chamber and Growth Association and the Edwardsville-Glen Carbon Chamber of Commerce. These entities have stated that such a move would benefit the entire region, bringing in more visitors to the area.
"I believe a move to Division I will increase alumni pride and expand the amount of exposure the University receives," said Bradley Hewitt, director of SIUE's Intercollegiate Athletics. "Reclassification would lead to increased public interest and should expand awareness of SIUE in our rapidly growing region.
"Donors, alumni, supporters, sponsors and several civic groups have expressed their judgments that the benefits will far outweigh the negatives in the long run," he said. "This investment will bring a return.
"I am very excited about this whole process and I thank the members of the task force for their hard work on this project," Hewitt said. "I'm also thankful to those in the public sector who have supported the University's exploration of DI."
The Chancellor's Jan. 11 recommendation to the board came after a study of the future of the SIUE Athletics program by the Intercollegiate Athletics Task Force (IATF)-made up of SIUE students, faculty, staff, alumni, and residents of the surrounding communities. The IATF spent 16 months gathering data from other colleges and universities that had made the move or had abandoned such a decision.
Vandegrift also said he considered information gathered from the University community and members of nearby communities, as well as comments gathered by the IATF during various open forums. The majority of community speakers at the open forums were in favor of a DI move for SIUE.
2/16/07
Multicultural Student Reception set for Feb. 19
Newly admitted freshmen and transfer students will be attending the second annual SIUE Multicultural Student Reception from 10:30 am - 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 19, in the Conference Center, on the second floor of the Morris University Center.
The reception is an opportunity for admitted students to become better acquainted with the programs, student organizations, and activities that SIUE offers to students including those who are from ethnically diverse backgrounds.
"Our current students will be on hand to speak to newly admitted students about their own experiences as SIUE students," said Terri Montgomery, associate director of admissions. "In addition, faculty and staff will answer any questions new students have about our academic programs, financing college, and housing at SIUE."
2/15/07
Freshman Applications Continue To Rise At SIUE
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The number of freshmen applying to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville for fall semester is at an all-time high, according to SIUE Admissions Director Todd Burrell.
"We had a total of 4,967 freshman applications at this time last year," Burrell said. "As of this week, we have more than 5,900. In the past two years the number of applications has jumped by about 500 each year," Burrell said. "This year it has jumped about 1,000." He pointed out that the University will continue to enroll a freshman class of about 1,800, an amount that ensures SIUE can continue to provide a quality education with current resources.
"And, we will continue to accept new freshman applications through May 1, although it is advisable to enroll early to better insure crafting a desired schedule." For all other undergraduate students, including transfer students, the deadline is July 20.In addition, Burrell said, new graduate student applications are at 819, compared with 645 this time last year. "That's about a 24 percent increase over last year at this time," Burrell said.
Burrell also pointed out that the number of students applying for scholarships at SIUE has doubled since 2004. The chosen scholars will be attending Premier Scholarship Day, Feb. 16.
As for scholarship applicants, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management Scott Belobrajdic said the number of quality applicants is impressive. "For fall 2007, the University so far has had 340 students apply for our top academic scholarships, compared with 324 last year at this time," Belobrajdic said. "Of the current scholarship applicants, more than 250 met the minimum criteria and were forwarded to the Scholarship Selection Committee, which in turn chose 100 for interviews.
"This is an exceptionally high number of candidates," Belobrajdic said. "In fact, it is more than double what we had just four years ago." Of the 100 applicants chosen to interview on campus, their average ACT score is 30.1, with an average high school GPA of 3.95."The group represents every corner of the state and a wide array of academic interests,"Belobrajdic said. "These students have virtually unlimited options when it comes to selecting a university and we are very pleased to see that so many of them have SIUE at or near the top of their list."
He also noted that SIUE welcomes students who are interested in an early start, or who want to take one class, to enroll for summer. "We're open and, for the first time ever, SIUE's residence halls will be open to summer students," Belobrajdic said. "Whether a student wants to begin in the summer or start with the traditional on-campus university experience in the fall, they should apply for housing as soon as possible."
Burrell also pointed out that student retention continues to rise at SIUE, an indication that more and more students are continuing toward a degree. "We've seen an increase in full-time, degree-seeking students because we've become more and more of a residential campus," Burrell said. Since 1993, the University has constructed three residence halls and is planning a fourth residence hall to open in August.
Graduate students also should submit applications no later than July 20. Additional information about applying for admission to SIUE is available online at www.siue.edu.
2/14/07
SIUE To Present Dark Comedy The Altruists Feb. 21-25
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Audiences will enjoy a three-for-one comedy jackpot in the upcoming production of The Altruists, award-winning playwright Nicky Silver's take on what motivates activists who live for the protest du jour.
The play runs at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, Feb. 21-24, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25, all in the theater at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's Katherine Dunham Hall.
Director Marty Stanberry, artistic director of HotCity Theatre in St. Louis, says he is looking for the "fun" in the play and-based on Silver's track record-Stanberry should find it with relative ease.
Silver has taken on some interesting themes in his other works-incest, cannibalism, dysfunction-and managed to expose the comedy in some of the darkest hiding places. The Altruists won't disappoint. "I love Nicky Silver," Stanberry says in his director's notes. "He is a comic genius, whose fresh voice can suck us into his absurdly hilarious reality."
In three separate stories, the play involves a group of young activists who will march for any cause-whether its arts funding or arms funding, school cutbacks, AIDS cutbacks or welfare cutbacks, gay rights or children's rights, in a "hilarious fast-paced farce which cleverly uses real pain and suffering to attack the shallowness of a culture de-sensitized by the countless commercials, billboards and e-mails asking for your help to save the day,'" according to the play catalogue.
Stanberry calls them "don't gooders," leftist radicals who jump from cause to cause without ever really knowing, or caring, which cause they're protesting. "They want to make the world a better place-well, as long as it's better for them first."
Stanberry said the action of the play is centered in three playing areas depicting three Manhattan apartments. "As I first read the play, the first image that came to mind was a slot machine in motion," he said. "I shared this with the design team and we came up with a 'game show' concept," he said.
"With people acting as idiots on American Idol, Deal or No Deal, or the multitude of game shows taking TV by storm these days," Stanberry said, "this concept seemed to be extremely timely."
For more information or to make reservations, call the SIUE Fine Arts box office, (618) 650-2774, or, toll-free, (888) 328-5168, Ext. 2774.
Click here for cast photo: Members of the cast include Lisa Keeton of New Douglas, left, as Cybil; Natalie DiCristofano of Troy, right, portraying Sydney; and Adam Betz of Worden, as Ethan.
2/13/07
Program Will Bring Middle Eastern Literature To Area Children
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and Georgetown University in Washington D.C. are working together to help Edwardsville School District teachers bring the Middle Eastern culture to the classroom, providing an international perspective for Metro-East students.
SIUE Assistant Curriculum and Instruction Professor Gloria Reading said the initiative strives to bring "awareness, understanding, tolerance" to the area. She said, as an educator, she is "aware of the need to use stories from every culture around the world. "The region of the world that we call the Middle East is not an area from which teachers can easily find units and lesson plans or books," she said. "In light of that, I began looking for children's books that are set in the Middle East."
Reading-as well as other educators through the SIUE School of Education's Curriculum and Instruction program and about a dozen teachers through the Edwardsville schools-are collaborating with representatives from Georgetown's Center for Muslim Christian Understanding, allowing for insight into the culture and enabling a "human connection" to be made.
While the cuisine, religion, culture and aspects of the lives of individuals living in Iraq, Iran, Israel, Palestine and Afghanistan will be the subject of study for grade- and middle-school students, "This has nothing to do with the war in Iraq," Reading said. "It has nothing to do with the United States and Iraq. It has to do with getting to know this part of the world and its culture."
Furthermore, she added that while religion will be discussed, there will be no propagation of any religion in the classroom. Students will review Middle Eastern children's literature.
Lesson plans will be the same as units used by teachers across the country for other parts of the world, Reading said.
However, until this opportunity became available, she said, it was not as easy for teachers to provide students with information about the Middle East. India, China, Mexico, Eastern Europe, "We do it all the time. We can't do it easily with the Middle East.
"Teachers are taking select books and developing curriculum with a foundation in children's literature," she said. "It's happening in other districts, too, but I see us on the cutting edge of something here."
2/13/07
Former St. Louis Television News Anchor To Speak At Social Work Gala
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Julius Hunter, vice president for Community Relations at Saint Louis University and a former celebrated St. Louis television news anchor, will be the featured speaker at the first ever Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Social Work Scholarship Gala on March 9. Reservations must be received by Feb. 23.
Scheduled to begin with 5 p.m. cocktails, the gala will take place in Meridian Ballroom, on the first floor of SIUE's Morris Center. Dinner will be served at 6 p.m.; a 7 p.m. program is planned.
During the program, Community Commitment Awards will be announced: Rudy Wilson, assistant SIUE provost for Social and Cultural Diversity, will receive the Social Work Humanitarian Award; The Hon. James Radcliffe, an associate judge in St. Clair County, will receive the Child and Family Advocacy Award; Bill DeWitt III, senior vice president of Business Development for the St. Louis Cardinals Baseball Club, will receive the Child Advocacy Award; and the Illinois Department of Child and Family Services, will be recognized with the Social Services Agency Award.
All proceeds benefit the scholarship fund for the SIUE Department of Social Work. Tickets, which include dinner, are $50; a table of eight, $400. For reservations, call the department, (618) 650-5429.
Beautifully situated on 2,660 acres, SIUE is a public institution offering a broad choice of degrees and programs ranging from liberal arts to professional studies. Nearly 13,500 students choose SIUE for undergraduate and graduate education just 25 minutes from St. Louis. SIUE will celebrate its 50th anniversary during the 2007-08 academic year.
2/12/07
7th Annual Childcare Expo Set For March 3 In Aviston
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Seventh Annual Kids Are Our Business Seminar and Expo will be offered from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at Hidden Lake Winery, 10580 Wellen Road, Aviston, Saturday, March 3, sponsored by the Illinois Small Business Development Centers (ISBDC) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and at Kaskaskia College.
The $20 registration fee must be paid by Feb. 23, and includes materials, snacks and lunch. The conference is open to those in the business of childcare and/or those who are considering opening such a business. Participants will have opportunities to attend all training sessions, as well as networking, visiting the Expo and participating in door prize giveaways.
Steve Beck, founder and president of Beck and Associates, will be the keynote speaker. Beck, considered a "master facilitator and coach," also will offer training in "Exceptional Customer Service Techniques." Beck brings to his programs more than 20 years of experience as a corporate executive.
His training background spans more than 15 years, during which he has earned a reputation as an outstanding speaker, motivator and instructor. He also has provided corporate training solutions through his own consulting firm and has taught at the Chicago School of Finance and the Institute for Self Actualization.
Beck has been a frequent trainer for Baxter, CDW, Motorola Dealerships, Cardinal Health, Advocate Health Care and the U.S. Department of Education, as well as for several community colleges and banks.
Also at the March 3 seminar and expo, Gregory Everett will present "Classroom Management: Setting the Right Tone for Your Classroom" and Lisa McCormick will present "Music & Movement in Child Development."
Other sponsors of the March 3 seminar and expo are the Children's Home and Aid Child Care Resource & Referral and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). The SIUE ISBDC is partially funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) in partnership with the Illinois DCEO. All SBA programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis.
For registration information, please contact Theresa Ebeler, (618) 482-8330, or visit the Web site: www.kaskaskia.edu/daycare. Seating is limited; early registration is encouraged.
2/9/07
SIUE Marketing Team Wins Seven National Awards
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The SIUE Marketing and Communications team won seven national awards-including a Gold Award for its radio spots-recently in the 22nd Annual Admissions Advertising Awards competition, the oldest and largest competition of its kind in the country.
The awards include:
- Gold: SIUE radio ads
- Gold: SIUE Chancellor's Report
- Silver: eConnection (Alumni Magazine)
- Bronze: The Gardens at SIUE pubic relations program
- Bronze: SIUE Campus Banners
- Merit: SIUE Search Piece
- Merit: SIUE Television ads
A national panel of judges, admissions marketers, advertising creative directors, marketing and advertising professionals and the Admissions Marketing Report editorial board judged the entries based on creativity, marketing execution and impact of message.
"This national competition is an opportunity for us to test our marketing and communications materials against some of the best in the country," said Barbara O'Malley, SIUE's executive director of Marketing and Communications. "This year, we are pleased to have so many winning entries as testament to our integrated marketing approach."
The SIUE creative process is a collaborative one, O"malley said. The Marketing and Communications team-a division of University Relations-joins with other University units such as Admissions Marketing, Alumni Affairs, and the Chancellor's Office to develop an integrated marketing program for the entire university.
"All of the creative pieces we produce should continue to deliver a consistent message of the high quality experience available at SIUE-both in content and design," said Marketing and Communications Manager Heather Kniffel, who leads the creative design team. "We are fortunate to have such a talented team at SIUE as well as great creative partners, including Creativille Inc. of Edwardsville," Kniffel said.
"Our purpose is to build awareness of SIUE on a local, regional, and national level," O'Malley said. "Everything that we do supports the institution's long-term goal of building an excellent reputation."
2/9/07
East St. Louis Center To Present Journey of the Amistad Feb. 24
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Center for the Performing Arts and the SIUE East St. Louis Charter School will present The Journey of the Amistad at 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, in the Historic Miner's Theatre, 204 W. Main St., Collinsville.
The play, based on actual events, recounts the 1839 sailing of the schooner Amistad, which was carrying a group of Mende-speaking West African slaves between two plantations in Cuba. Some 39 Africans overtook the crew and attempted to sail home but the Amistad was intercepted at Long Island, NY.
The subsequent capture of the Africans led to an important trial on U.S. soil affirming their freedom, and resulting in their return to West Africa.
Tickets are $5; children and senior citizens, $3. For ticket information, call Patty Kessen, (618-482-6912) at the SIUE East St. Louis Center Director's Office. The program is sponsored in part by: Illinois Arts Council.
2/8/07
37th Annual Antiques Show And Sale Set For March 17-18 At SIUE
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Nearly 70 dealers in antiques from the Midwest will display and sell a variety of items including furniture, fine glass, porcelain, china, toys and books Saturday and Sunday, March 17-18, at the 37th Annual Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Antiques Show and Sale at SIUE's Vadalabene Center.
The event, sponsored by the Friends of Lovejoy Library, will take place in the center's gymnasium from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Free informal appraisals with paid admission (two-item limit) will be offered from 2-4 p.m. Saturday and from 1-3 p.m. Sunday.
Tickets are $6 at the door and are good both days of the event; for a $10 admission (includes general admission cost), "early bird" patrons may enter between 9 and 10 a.m. Saturday. Children under 13 years of age will be admitted free. For more information, call the Friends of Lovejoy Library, (618) 650-2730.
Beautifully situated on 2,660 acres, SIUE is a public institution offering a broad choice of degrees and programs ranging from liberal arts to professional studies. Nearly 13,500 students choose SIUE for undergraduate and graduate education just 25 minutes from St. Louis. SIUE celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2007-2008.
2/7/07
'For The Love Of Music' To Showcase Student Musicians Feb. 12
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Southern Illinois University Edwardsville will showcase its talented students during "For the Love of Music," an evening of performances by SIUE's Concert Choir, Chamber Orchestra, Wind Symphony, Jazz Band, Brass Ensemble, and solo pianists.
The evening of music begins at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 12, in Meridian Ballroom, on the first floor of SIUE's Morris Center.
Tickets are $15 and may be purchased through the SIUE Fine Arts box office, (618) 650-2774. Proceeds benefit the Friends of Music, a support organization for the SIUE Department of Music. Door prizes will be awarded.
2/6/07
Purlie Victorious On Stage Feb. 7-11 At The Metcalf Theater
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Ossie Davis' comedy, Purlie Victorious, chronicles our hero's return to his sharecropper's family cabin to lay claim to a church. However, his cousin's inheritance-earmarked in Purlie's mind to bankroll the idea-is controlled by Colonel Cotchipee, who owns the land Purlie's family works. As they say, comedy ensues. But within the comedy, set in the early 1960s, playwright Davis addresses religious hypocrisy, racial bigotry, civil rights issues and a changing Southern society. Shown in the photo are cast members (seated in front left to right) Alayna R. Jones and A. J. Hemphill; (2nd row left to right) Aaron Kuban, Christa Benbow (in white smock) and Evan Grizzard; (third row left to right) Wesley Copper, Tim Albaugh, Greg Fenner and Josh Douglas. Purlie Victorious runs at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free but donations will be accepted for the Lisa Colbert Scholarship Fund. (SIUE Photos by Bill Brinson)
2/05/07
SIU School of Dental Medicine's Give Kids a Smile Day Is Success
(ALTON, Ill.) About $40,000 worth of dental care was provided to nearly 200 area children, at no cost to parents Saturday, Feb. 3.
Nearly 400 dental professionals volunteered through Southern Illinois University's School of Dental Medicine and treated qualified children between the ages of three and 13 at the fourth Give Kids A Smile Day on Saturday at the Alton campus.
Free examinations, x-rays, cleanings, fillings, extractions and more were offered during the day. Children qualified to participate in the event were those eligible for free and reduced-priced meal programs.
Fun activities were offered for children throughout the day. The Lewis and Clark Community College Dental Hygiene and Assisting programs hosted a "Smile Station" on site, which featured games to help children learn the importance of keeping their teeth clean.
Professionals through Madison and St. Clair counties' District Dental societies also donated their services throughout the day. Avid supporters of the event-Illinois Rep. Dan Beiser (D-East Alton) and Illinois Sen. Bill Haine (D-Alton) were in attendance.
2/5/07
SIUE's Schaefer To Speak About Edo Language, Oral Tradition
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Ronald P. Schaefer, the William and Margaret Going Professor and head of the Center for International Programs at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, will speak on campus Feb. 15 about Edo North: Cultural History through Language and Oral Tradition.
Schaefer, a faculty member in the SIUE Department of English Language and Literature and an associate dean of the SIUE Graduate School, will be making the presentation about the Edo languages of Nigeria at 2 p.m. in the Hickory-Hackberry Room, on the second floor of SIUE's Morris Center.
Joining the SIUE English faculty to teach linguistics in 1986, Schaefer has studied the Edo language for several years and has created a dictionary of one language that had never before been documented.
According to Schaefer, his Feb. 15 lecture will highlight obscure societies where "powerful forces of globalization" have brought about abrupt change. "Among these are villages in southern Nigeria's geographically complex Edo North region," Schaefer said. "To gain a glimpse into their unwritten cultural history, I examine transcribed and translated oral narrative texts and their vernacular linguistic structure.
"I profile character and story line elements bearing on totem types, royal lineage and social institutions as well as linguistic features of gender, precedence and transitivity," he said. "I also outline possible stages in Edo North cultural history, showing that the relationship between Edo North and pre-colonial West Africa's powerful Benin Kingdom is more tenuous than generally assumed."
Before coming to SIUE, Schaefer taught at several institutions including the University of Kansas; the University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria; and Texas Tech University. He also was a visiting professor for the Peace Corps in Afghanistan. Schaefer earned a bachelor of science in English at the University of Minnesota, a master's in linguistics at Texas Tech and a doctorate in linguistics at Kansas.
Beautifully situated on 2,660 acres, SIUE is a public institution offering a broad choice of degrees and programs ranging from liberal arts to professional studies. Nearly 13,500 students choose SIUE for undergraduate and graduate education just 25 minutes from St. Louis. SIUE celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2007-2008.
2/5/07
President And CEO of Bunge North America Visits SIUE
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Carl Hausmann, president and CEO of Bunge North America, visited Southern Illinois University Edwardsville recently to speak with students and administration in the SIUE School of Business, as well as to discuss international studies and the role of Bunge in both local and global markets. (Click here for a photo of Hausmann speaking with students)
Bunge is an integrated, global agribusiness and food company operating in the "farm-to-consumer" food chain with worldwide distribution capabilities and primary operations in North America, South America and Europe. Hausmann was appointed to his current position in January 2004. Before his current appointment, he was CEO of Bunge Europe.
Hausmann visited campus as a part of the Chancellor's Residence Program. This program is designed to bring executives from major corporations to campus to interact with faculty and students.
"Mr. Hausmann brought decades of global business experience to our students, in addition to his perceptions of the world today," said Timothy S. Schoenecker, interim dean of the School. "It was an invaluable experience that our students will benefit from both during their education and future careers."
During his time at the University, Hausmann also met with a small group of international business students to discuss their past and future experiences abroad as well as a variety of business topics. Over the course of their discussion, Hausmann supplied the students with advice for getting the most out of their travels and international business careers.
In addition to speaking with international business students, Hausmann attended an undergraduate Organizational Behavior class to talk about his experiences, the global role of Bunge as well as current trends in the agribusiness industry.
A native of New Jersey who attended Boston College, Hausmann also spent four years in the U.S. Navy. Since then, he has resided in nearly a dozen countries on four continents. He also speaks six languages.
The SIUE School of Business has been accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) since 1975. Fewer than 15 percent of business schools worldwide have earned this prestigious seal of approval which represents the highest standard of achievement.
2/5/07
SIUE To Hold Open Houses Feb. 24 For Potential Students
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) An open house Feb. 24 at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville promises to highlight the University's programs for prospective students.
Potential students interested in programs through the School of Engineering or the School of Nursing, and graduate programs through the College of Arts and Sciences, may tour buildings and learn more about courses of study, as well as job options and opportunities in their fields of interest after graduation.
School of Nursing activities will kick off at 8:30 a.m. and continue until noon SIUE's Alumni Hall. Free parking will be available in Lot A. For more information, contact the School, (618) 650-3956.
The School of Engineering Open House will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the SIUE Engineering Building. Free parking will be available in Lot E. More information is available by visiting the Web site: www.siue.edu/ENGINEERING, or, by calling (618) 650-2541.
The College of Arts and Sciences will offer its open house for potential students interested in graduate programs from 9:30 a.m. to noon in the Goshen Lounge, on the first floor of the Morris Center. For more information, call (618) 650-5051.
Campus-wide tours will be held by each program.
2/2/07
MEDIA ADVISORY/PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
SIU/SDM To Present Give Kids A Smile Day & 10 a.m. Press Conference featuring Legislators
- Who: The SIU School of Dental Medicine providing free dental treatment for qualified children ages 3 to 13.
- What: The Fourth Annual Give Kids A Smile Day
- When: Registration will continue from 7:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3rd
- Where: The School of Dental Medicine Main Clinic, 2800 College Avenue, Building 263, Alton, IL
The Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine-in cooperation with the Madison District Dental Society, the St. Clair District Dental Society and the Lewis and Clark Community College Dental Hygiene and Assisting programs-will conduct the Fourth Annual Give Kids A Smile Day to provide free dental treatment for underserved children across our region.
Free dental care, including examinations, x-rays, cleanings, fluoride treatments, fillings and extractions, are offered in the interest of providing oral health care to children who may not otherwise receive it.
Locally in Alton, the one-day event allows an average of more than 200 children to receive dental care from dental professionals each year. The volunteer dentists and staff offer an annual average of more than $50,000 in preventive and restorative oral health treatment for the children who participate.
Parking is located at the south entrance of the dental clinic. To reach the parking lot, enter Annex Street from College Avenue. The clinic is the second building on the right and the patient parking lot is just after the building. A ramp is available for patients restricted to wheelchairs.
Note there is a press conference set for 10 a.m. For more information, please feel free to contact Stephen Schaus, (618) 474-7271
Back to top2/2/07
SIUE, Mackey Mitchell Take Prizes From International Competition
(PHOENIX, Ariz.) A team of students and Housing Administrators from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, and architects from the design firm, Mackey Mitchell Associates of St. Louis, received two prestigious awards at a recent Association of College & University Housing Officers-International design showcase.
The SIUE/Mackey Mitchell group took the Compelling Commitment to Community Award and was selected by the audience to receive the People's Choice Award. "I think it is a great honor for SIUE to be the only higher education institution to compete and be so successful in the competition," said SIUE Housing Director Michael Schultz.
The purpose of the design competition was to inspire companies and organizations to create new and innovative residence facilities for colleges and universities. The SIUE/Mackey Mitchell team introduced the concept of moveable walls to enable students who live in the structures to conveniently change their space size depending on their needs. Students could move the walls to produce a large common area for special events, or a smaller space for studying.
Designers, students, architects, and college housing professionals from around the world submitted design proposals for an individual student-living unit. Each contestant was challenged to incorporate concepts such as flexibility, sustainability, student development, security, and technology as they created a vision for residence hall rooms and suites 25 years into the future.
"We felt we had a good understanding of the forecast for the future and a good foundation to position ourselves very well in this competition," Schultz said.
Feedback he received about students representing the University at the showcase was positive, he said. "Several individuals walked up to me and provided me with feedback about our students. They said if the students who attended the event were a representation of our student body, then SIUE is lucky to have such quality and depth in our students."
For more information about the competition and the 21st Century Project, visit the Web site at www.21stCenturyProject.com or contact ACUHO-I at 614-292-0099. Press inquiries should be directed to James Baumann at james@acuho-i.org or Schultz, 618-650-4630.
Click here for a photo of the SIUE/Mackey Mitchell team: (front row, left to right) Javier Esteban of Mackey Mitchell, SIUE students Justin Allen and Lindsey Gilmore, SIUE Director of Housing Michael Schultz; (back row left to right) Associate Director of Housing Scott Gluntz, Paul Wuennenberg of Mackey Mitchell and SIUE Associate Director of Housing Bob Legate.
2/1/07
Members Of The Imani Winds Ensemble Take Time To Teach During Recent Visit
Members of the Imani Winds ensemble entertained an Arts & Issues audience recently with their special brand of music, but they also took some time to educate SIUE students. In the two days leading to the concert, the group was on campus teaching master classes in the Department of Music. Shown in the photo (click here) Jocelyn Garner of Poplar Bluff, Mo., plays the oboe during a lesson with Toyin Spellman of Imani Winds. Since its inception in 1997, this group-the name Imani means "faith" in Swahili-has established a presence in the classical music world for dynamic performance, musical innovation and inspirational outreach programs which often explore "the culture and heritage of the African Diaspora, while introducing Western classical traditions to diverse classroom audiences."
January 2007
- NCERC Used As Training Center And Bioethanol Classroom
- WoRKS Group Hosts Religion And Biology Speaker
- SIUE Jazz Studies Director To Present Concert At Sheldon Hall
- SIUE Construction Department To Offer BIM Seminar Feb. 9
- SIUE Enters Formal Agreement With SWIC
- School of Business, Foreign Languages In Effort To Enrich Experience
- School of Business Student Recognized With Enterprise Award
- Wash. U.'s David Peters To Speak About 'Boomers, Bloomers, Zoomers'
- SIU Board Executive Committee Approves $296,588 Contract
- Students To Take The Robot Maze Challenge
- Educator Conference Planned at SIU Edwardsville On Feb. 17
- SIUE School Of Business Maintains Accreditation From AACSB
- SIUE To Present Black Heritage Month Activities During February
- MLK Award Winners Announced At SIU Edwardsville
- Grant Conference Was A Success; Co-sponsored By SIUE And Wash. U.
- UCM To Sponsor Annual 'Death By Chocolate Affair' On Valentine's Day
- SIUE Student Group Collecting Items, Raising Troops' Spirits
- SIUE School of Dental Medicine Prepares To Give Kids a Smile
- Michael Doucet And BeauSoleil To Perform Feb. 3 For SIUE's A&I
- Wash. U. Psychotherapist To Speak At SIUE About Eating Disorders
- SIUE Nursing Professor To Speak At Pandemic Flu Seminar
- SIUE Associate Professor Of Pharmacy Receives IACP Grant
- Imani Winds Jan. 26 Concert Sold Out For SIUE Arts & Issues Series
- Changes
- SIUE Pharmacy Students Present At National Conference
- SIUE Student From O'Fallon Honored As Leader By Enterprise
- Two Nationally Successful SIUE Alumni To Be Honored May 5
- SIU Trustees Approve Projects For Alton, Edwardsville Campuses
- Chancellor Recommends NCAA Division I Status For Athletics
- AAC&U Study Lauds SIUE's Senior Assignment Program
- Upward Bound Students Inducted Into National Honor Society
- WoRKS Study Group, SIUE Professor To Discuss Quantum Physics
- SIUE To Host Greater St. Louis 'Botball' Regional Tourney
- Space Still Available At Two-Day Grant Conference
1/31/07
NCERC Used As Training Center And Bioethanol Classroom
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Nearly two dozen Michigan residents gained many of the skills they will need to succeed in the bioindustry during recent training at the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center (NCERC) in University Park at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
Experts at NCERC guided the group of 23 individuals from Michigan through six days of classes and in-plant training exercises on bioethanol.
Michigan State University coordinated the training program as part of the Mid-Michigan Innovation Team using a portion of a $15 million Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, which was awarded in February 2006.
University Park is an applied research and technology park located on the SIUE campus. It offers leading-edge research and technology-based businesses the resources and environment to gain a competitive advantage.
1/31/07
WoRKS Group Hosts Religion And Biology Speaker
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Exploring the Concept of Religious Naturalism will be the topic broached at the next WoRKS Group Edwardsville session at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21, at the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Religious Center.
Speaker Ursula Goodenough, a professor of biology at Washington University in St. Louis, will lead the discussion.
"WoRKS" is an acronym for World Religions, Knowledge and Science. The WoRKS Group Edwardsville is funded with the help of the Metanexus Institute, the University's Graduate Studies and Research program, the Office of the Provost, the College of Arts and Sciences, the Department of Philosophy, the University Religious Council and the Friends of the Religious Center.
The events are part of a three-year series of lectures and study group meetings on current events and issues involving science and religion, and their impact on campus and area communities.
The WoRKS Group meets at the Religious Center-the dome building on campus that was designed by theorist R. Buckminster Fuller. Study Group Sessions and a Distinguished Speakers Series at the Center offer influential thinkers for public discussion.
There is no admission charge and parking is available in Visitors Lot B for $1 per hour. For more information, call Philosophy Professor Greg Fields, (618) 650-2461, or visit the Web site: www.siue.edu/religion or www.metanexus.org.
1/30/07
SIUE Jazz Studies Director To Present Concert At Sheldon Hall
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Department of Music will present its Sixth Annual SIUE Jazz at the Sheldon concert featuring big band jazz arrangements at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 20, at Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Blvd., St. Louis.
The evening of music will feature the SIUE Concert Jazz Band, with SIUE Music Professor Rick Haydon (guitar) and Reggie Thomas (piano) as well as SIUE music faculty members Tom Kennedy, Jason Swagler, Andy Tichenor and Miles Vandiver. Also appearing are Jim Martin, Zeb Briskovich and Tim Stamps.
Musical selections will include Stamps arrangement of Blue in Green, Time After Time, So Far Away, Softly As In A Morning Sunrise and Where It's At. Stamps also will perform a new arrangement of In Your Own Sweet Way, the title cut from his new CD (Victoria Records, 2006). Haydon also will perform Halley's Comet from his CD album, Just Friends (Mel Bay Records, 2006).
Admission is $6. For more information, call the SIUE Department of Music, (618) 650-3900.
Beautifully situated on 2,660 acres, SIUE is a public institution offering a broad choice of degrees and programs ranging from liberal arts to professional studies. Nearly 13,500 students choose SIUE for undergraduate and graduate education just 25 minutes from St. Louis. SIUE celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2007-2008.
1/30/07
SIUE Construction Department To Offer BIM Seminar Feb. 9
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Construction managers, contractors, architects and engineers, as well as public and private owners, will benefit from a one-day seminar, Building Information Modeling, from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9, at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Registration deadline is Feb. 2.
The seminar, which outlines challenges in implementing 3-D technology in construction planning recently mandated by the federal government for all major projects, will take place in the Mississippi-Illinois Room, on the second floor of SIUE's Morris Center.
Conducted by the Department of Construction in the SIUE School of Engineering, speakers will present recent experiences from the owner, architect, engineer and construction professional perspectives. The SIUE Office of Continuing Education is offering 4.0 Professional Development Hours for attending the seminar.
Seminar registration is $95, which includes handouts, visitor parking tag, lunch and refreshments. For additional information, call Kerry Slattery, (618) 650-2853; for registration information, call the Office of Continuing Education, (618) 650-3210.
Beautifully situated on 2,660 acres, SIUE is a public institution offering a broad choice of degrees and programs ranging from liberal arts to professional studies. Nearly 13,500 students choose SIUE for undergraduate and graduate education just 25 minutes from St. Louis. SIUE celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2007-2008.
1/30/07
SIUE Enters Formal Agreement With SWIC
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and Southwestern Illinois College have teamed to make a four-year degree more attainable for a larger number of individuals across the region.
In line with its mission to provide area residents with access to higher education, SIUE entered a formal agreement with SWIC this month that will open doors to opportunity for students hoping to earn a bachelor's degree.
The Dual Admission/Partnership Agreement allows students at the onset of their collegiate careers to immediately begin working toward a four-year degree at SIUE, following the completion of a two-year associates' degree program at SWIC.
"Our goal was to create a seamless process for SWIC students to complete a baccalaureate program at SIUE," said the University's Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift. "This agreement is an example of how the University is partnering with SWIC to focus on access; not just access to students entering SIUE as freshmen, but access for all students who can benefit from our programs and earn a degree."
He also said that SWIC offers students an excellent start to their four-year college career. In fall 2006, SIUE admitted more than 1,000 students from community colleges. "We must admit students who are ready to succeed," Vandegrift said.
SWIC President Elmer H. Kirchoff added that SWIC was a pioneer among community colleges in the state, as one of the first to draft and establish a formal dual-admission agreement with four-year institutions.
"Dual-admission programs allow students to simultaneously consult with counselors at both schools to make sure their academic programs are on track and everything transfers as it should. Chancellor Vandegrift and I agree this is a win-win situation for both of our institutions, but even more importantly so for our students."
Scott Belobrajdic, SIUE's assistant vice chancellor for enrollment management, said the agreement further strengthens the collaboration among academic leadership at both institutions. "We already have an outstanding working relationship with SWIC that has been very successful.
"This is an important step to formalize a smoother transition for students who intend to earn an associate's degree from SWIC and a bachelor's degree from SIUE."
He added, "We hope this formalized agreement will allow students to see their academic paths very clearly. When they finish their associate's degree at SWIC, they already will be able to see themselves as juniors at SIUE and soon will be graduates of both institutions."
1/26/07
School of Business, Foreign Languages In Effort To Enrich Experience
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Office of International Programs in the Southern School of Business at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has joined forces with SIUE's Department of Foreign Languages and Literature to improve classroom experiences of both SIUE students and students studying at SIUE from abroad.
The partnership, which began in fall 2005, is known as "Building Bridges: Linking International Business Students and Students of International Cultures," and is part of the University's Excellence in Undergraduate Education (EUE) competitive funding program.
In the years since the program's founding by Belinda Carstens-Wickham, chair of foreign languages, and Radcliffe Edmonds, associate professor of economics and finance, international business students have helped foreign language students master conversational and written skills as well as understand the culture and most current trends in their native countries.
"Having international business students in the classroom helps motivate our students and make them truly interested in foreign languages and cultures," said Debbie Mann, associate professor of French. "The courses are more active than ever. Last week, for example, our students learned how to text-message in French-something so simple makes it so real for our students."
The program benefits more than just American students. International business student Jean Ollagnier, who is studying at SIUE from France, said "The program … allows us to learn more American culture and vocabulary. Most importantly, we get to meet more students."
Other international business students say their favorite part is helping SIUE students gain confidence in their speaking skills.
Douglas Simms, assistant professor of German, said, "This relationship between the Office of International Programs and the Foreign Languages and Literature Department helps take the foreignness and abstractness away from studying another language."
In addition, many international business students would be barred from employment, if not for this grant program. Typical student visas do not allow students studying from abroad to be employed off campus.
Those involved in the project currently are reapplying for the EUE grant. If accepted, however, it will be the last year that the program is eligible for the EUE program grant. Because of the program's success, however, the project's directors are actively seeking alternative funding.
The Office of International Programs currently is playing host to 19 exchange students representing Germany, France, the Netherlands, Japan and Mexico. These students will work and study at SIUE through spring semester.
1/26/07
School of Business Student Recognized With Enterprise Award
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Lindsey M. Walters, of Decatur, a business major at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, recently was honored with the Enterprise Foundation Rent-A-Car Student Leader of the Month Award for December. Walters will receive a bachelor of science in business administration in May with a focus in marketing.
The award recognizes students nominated by their campus organization for outstanding participation and responsibility. Walter's award recognizes her service to the SIUE chapter of the American Marketing Association (AMA), which gives students experience in the marketing and sales professions.
AMA Chapter President Hilary Hertenstein said "Lindsey has been a great, active member of the AMA. Recently, she led a committee responsible for the planning and implementation of our fall event while also participating in the 2007 case competition."
In addition to the AMA, Walters is part of the Student Leadership Development Program at SIUE, which promotes leadership in students through leadership development modules and community service.
Other community service efforts in which Walters has participated include participation in service activities, such as repairing a rundown church and child care center in East St. Louis as well as supplying under-privileged children with computers and instructing the children in their use.
In response to receiving the award, Walters said "This is really an honor. It is very rewarding to be recognized for something you enjoy doing. The AMA has given me experiences that go beyond the classroom and has allowed me to make some great friends."
The award carries with it a $50 stipend and certificate. In addition, Walters will be recognized at a reception in the spring that will honor all Enterprise Foundation award recipients and will provide SIUE business students with an opportunity to network with Enterprise executives.
The SIUE School of Business is among an elite 15 percent of business schools worldwide that have earned the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation, a seal of approval that the SIUE School has earned each year since 1975. SIUE's accountancy program also is accredited through AACSB. Less than 33 percent of AACSB-accredited business schools hold an accounting accreditation.
1/26/07
Wash. U.'s David Peters To Speak About 'Boomers, Bloomers, Zoomers'
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) David Peters, the McDonnell Douglas professor of Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis and chair of the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering there, will speak at 3 p.m. Monday, Feb. 12, in Room 1033 of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Engineering Building about "Boomers, Bloomers and Zoomers." The lecture is free and open to the public.
Peters will chronicle how U.S. citizens, the aerospace industry and American universities "formed an alliance" that began in 19th Century, agricultural America and culminated in landing an astronaut on the moon. He will speak about how the space race "molded an entire generation of Americans in terms of how they were educated, and how they viewed technology and engineering."
A member of the Washington University faculty since 1991, Peters also is a regional vice president and member of the board of directors of the American Helicopter Society. In addition to his position as McDonnell Douglas professor at Washington, Peters is director of the Center for Computational Mechanics, associate director of the Georgia Tech/Washington University Center of Excellence for Rotor Technology and adjunct professor at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta.
Before coming to Washington University, Peters had been with the U.S. Army Research Labs at NASA, a professor of aerospace engineering at Georgia Tech and an associate engineer at what was then known as the McDonnell Douglas Aeronautics Co. in St. Louis.
He earned a bachelor of science and a master of science at Washington and a doctorate in aeronautics and astronautics at Stanford.
1/25/07
SIU Board Executive Committee Approves $296,588 Contract
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees Executive Committee recently awarded a $296,588 contract to Keller Construction Co., of Glen Carbon, for improvements to the intersection of North University Drive at New Poag Road on the north edge of campus.
The full board gave approval to the project and budget at its July meeting. At its Jan. 11 meeting, the full board gave the Executive Committee authority to award the bids that were due after that date. The project is expected to be completed in June.
The intersection, which services traffic from nearby Illinois 143 and New Poag Road, varies in condition and quality because of "an unusual combination of pavements and roadway cross sections," University officials said.
The University retained Oates Associates Inc. to determine how the intersection could be improved. Oates recommended new construction of northbound lanes and placement of an overlay on the southbound lanes to provide a consistent surface. In addition, a raised, curbed median will be constructed for landscaping to improve the appearance of the intersection.
SIUE officials said the project will be funded from the University's Operating Fund.
1/25/07
Students To Take The Robot Maze Challenge
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) A-maze-ing Robots are coming to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville as a way to introduce students to robotics.
The Robotics Mini-Camp for Middle School Students will take place over two days; from 9 a.m. to noon, Monday, Feb. 19 and Saturday, Feb. 24 at the SIUE School of Engineering Building.
Students in the program will be involved in the design and construction of robots. Once constructed, the robots will compete in a Robot Maze Challenge. The aim of the two-day event is to increase middle school students' interest in math, science and teamwork.
Edwardsville High School math teachers, students from the Edwardsville High School Robotics Team and computer science graduate students will staff the camp.
The cost to take part in the camp is $50. Parents must provide transportation arrangements for their participating children. Attendance is limited to the first 24 students who return a completed application form, available online at http://www.ecusd7.org/ehs/ehsstaff/shagin/botball/campreg.doc.
For more information, or to obtain a registration form, contact Scott Hagin, 618-650-7100 ext. 20886.
1/25/07
Educator Conference Planned at SIU Edwardsville On Feb. 17
(INDIANAPOLIS) The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Lambda Theta chapter of Kappa Delta Pi, the international honor society in education, will help sponsor "I Teach," a one-day conference for new, and preservice teachers Saturday, Feb. 17, in the Conference Center, on the second floor of the Morris Center.
The "I Teach" conference will provide individuals new to the teaching field, as well as practicing professionals, with "take-home" skills and strategies for improving classroom instruction. The conference also is a great opportunity for attendees to network with other professionals and share the successes and challenges of teaching.
Workshops will feature topics such as classroom management, "No Child Left Behind," stress management techniques, character building, curriculum integration and handling the transition from student to teacher.
The conference registration fee, which includes refreshments, lunch, and all materials, is $35 for members of Kappa Delta Pi and $70 for nonmembers. To register for the conference, call (800) 284-3167, or visit the Web site: www.kdp.org. Discounts are available for multiple registrations from the same School District. Questions about the conference may be directed to Conference Coordinator Sharon Bergmann, sharon@kdp.org, or at the 800 number.
KDP's mission is to support educators throughout their professional careers-from the time they are students until they retire and beyond. The Society offers its more than 50,000 members scholarships, teacher classroom grants, publications and professional development conferences and workshops, as well as career assistance, discounts on products and services and access to resources for teachers.
In 2005, Kappa Delta Pi was recognized by the American Society of Association Executives for its "I Teach" conferences. Their prestigious Associations Advance America Awards program recognizes associations that propel America forward through innovative projects in education, skills training, standards setting, business and social innovation, knowledge creation, citizenship and community service.
1/24/07
SIUE School Of Business Maintains Accreditation From AACSB
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) has announced that Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Business has maintained its accreditation in both business and accounting.
Founded in 1916, AACSB is the longest serving and largest global accrediting body for business schools that offer undergraduate, master's, and doctoral degrees in business and accounting.
SIUE is among 16 AACSB accredited institutions that have successfully completed their five-year maintenance of accreditation review in business and/or accounting. The SIUE School of Business is part of an elite group that makes up less than 15 percent of business schools worldwide that have achieved business and accounting accreditation from AACSB. To maintain accreditation, a business school must undergo a rigorous review performed by an independent team consisting of deans and senior accounting administrators from other AACSB-accredited business schools.
Timothy S. Schoenecker, interim dean of the School of Business, said he is "gratified" the AACSB peer review team recommended all of the SIUE programs maintain accredited status. "This provides independent confirmation that we are meeting our mission of adding value for students, employers, and the business disciplines.
"We are proud to maintain our status among the relatively small percentage of business schools that are accredited by the AACSB in both accounting and business."
1/24/06
SIUE To Present Black Heritage Month Activities During February
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Southern Illinois University Edwardsville will present its Tenth Annual Black Heritage Month Program during February, with its theme of Revealing Identity, Expressing Consciousness. Click here for a calendar of events.
1/24/07
MLK Award Winners Announced At SIU Edwardsville
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Annual Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian and Scholarship Awards have been announced by Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. The awards will be presented at the university's 25th annual celebration of the birthday of the Rev. King at SIUE on Tuesday, Feb. 6.
The awards are given each year to recognize those who exemplify the philosophy of nonviolent social change as demonstrated by Rev. King. This year's guest speaker will be Sylvester Brown Jr. (click here for photo), a Metro columnist for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
The luncheon program will be held at 11:30 a.m. in Meridian Ballroom of SIUE's Delyte W. Morris University Center, followed by a reception in the Goshen Lounge for the winners of the Scholarship and Humanitarian awards. Winners of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. High School Essay, Poetry, and Visual Arts Awards also will be honored.
Winners of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Awards include:
- Kimberly Allen of Centreville (click here for photo)-A 21-year-old undergraduate pursuing a bachelor's in Special Education toward a career in teaching students with special needs, who will receive the MLK Scholarship and Humanitarian Award;
- Willie B. Nelson of East St. Louis (click here for photo)-Chairman of the Southern Illinois Healthcare Foundation board and a retired First Financial Bank manager, who will receive the Community Humanitarian Award; and
- Thomas E. Raglin of Alton (click here for photo)-A building service worker for SIUE's Office of Facilities Management, who will receive the University Humanitarian Award.
Winners of the MLK high school competition awards are:
- Dorvonda Payne (click here for photo), a senior at East St. Louis (IL) Senior High School-essay award;
- Channing James (click here for photo), a sophomore at Hazelwood (MO) West High School-poetry award; and
- Chase Hopkins (click here for photo), a junior at Edwardsville (IL) High School-visual arts award.
A native St. Louisan, Brown published Take Five magazine, an investigative regional publication, for 15 years along with his wife, Victoria. The publication received more than 35 awards for its investigative series, general reporting and Brown's political and social commentaries.
Brown recently won the 2005 Terry Hughes Writing Award from the St. Louis Newspaper Guild and two awards ("Best Column" and "Best Series") from the St. Louis Association of Black Journalists.
A guest on several national television and radio shows-including the FOX network's "O'Reilly Factor," Air America Radio's "Al Franken Show," PRI's "The Tavis Smiley Show" and Syndication One's "The Michael Eric Dyson Show"-Brown also was featured in a July 2005 segment of ABC's "Nightline," focusing on his community forum featuring comedian and philanthropist Bill Cosby.
Tickets for the MLK luncheon are $15; students, $10. For reservations, call (618) 650-2660.
1/24/07
Grant Conference Was A Success; Co-sponsored By SIUE And Wash. U.
Click here for photo of NSF's Tom Cooley making a presentation at SIUE during the recent grants conference
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Some 150 SIUE faculty members attended both days of the recent Metropolitan St. Louis Grants Conference, conducted at Washington University in St. Louis and on the SIUE campus.
The grant series featured topics such as the "National Science Foundation: The American Competitiveness Initiative;" the "National Endowment for the Humanities: Building Sustainable & Fundable Digital Research Programs in the Humanities"; "Biofuels and Bioprocessing"; "The Global Challenge: Fostering and Leveraging International Collaboration and Promoting"; and "Integrating Research and Education in Primarily Undergraduate Institutions."
Christa Johnson, assistant dean of SIUE's Graduate Studies and Research and co-organizer of the event, said the turnout at both campuses was impressive. "From my perspective, the conference was a success," Johnson said. "We had many high-level speakers at SIUE including Tom Cooley (shown in photo), CFO of the National Science Foundation, and Richard Buckius, director of NSF's Engineering Directorate. I have had great feedback from both campuses."
Steve Hansen, dean of Graduate Studies and Research, echoed Johnson's assessment. "The conference was successful on a number of different levels, Hansen said. "First, the conference was the result of a successful collaboration between SIUE and Washington University, the kind of collaboration that can serve as a model for other collaborative ventures between our universities.
"Second, it was successful because it showcased SIUE and our faculty to Washington University and to federal program officers. Third, the conference was successful because of the kind of information the federal program officers gave to our faculty about various grant opportunities.
"This kind of conference is difficult to put together. It requires a lot of cooperation from a wide variety of individuals and careful attention to logistics," Hansen said. "This conference would not have happened without the leadership of Christa Johnson. The success of the conference is directly a result of her work."
1/23/07
UCM To Sponsor Annual 'Death By Chocolate Affair' On Valentine's Day
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The United Campus Ministry (UCM), with offices in the SIUE Religious Center, will sponsor its Seventh Annual "A Death by Chocolate Affair" from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 14, at the center.
The Rev. Paul Burden, UCM director, says the event is an important UCM fund-raiser. "Members of the surrounding communities are invited to tempt their taste buds with the pure enjoyment of 'sinfully' delicious desserts from some favorite establishments," Burden said.
"Local restaurants and establishments-Houlihan's, Rusty's, Sacred Grounds, My Just Desserts, Annie's Frozen Custard and La Bonne Bouchee de St. Louis, to name a few-will be donating chocolate desserts and, for the cost of admission, folks can sample as much chocolate as they wish.
"We anticipate about 20 establishments will be supporting this event," Burden said, "but we'll also have chocolate treats from local kitchens."
New this year, Burden said, are "Cookie-grams," small, nicely wrapped bags of cookies with "To/From" tags. "These are special Valentines," Burden said. "Just fill in the tag and deliver the cookies to that special someone."
Admission is $10; children under 12 and students, $8. A pre-filled sampler plate available "to go" is $10. Take-out boxes may be picked up after 5 p.m., if ordered in advance. For more information, call (618) 650-3248, or, e-mail: pburden@siue.edu.
The UCM on campus represents the American Baptist Churches USA, the United Methodist Church, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the Presbyterian Church (USA), the United Church of Christ, and the Church of the Brethren. UCM integrates fellowship, service, study, and worship for students, faculty, and staff, to provide a place to grow and to be challenged, with acceptance and love.
1/23/07
SIUE Student Group Collecting Items, Raising Troops' Spirits
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Lori and Jeremy Roberts of Waterloo were married four days before she left in October 2004 with her unit for Kuwait.
She returned safely one year later. But, while Roberts served her country as a member of the U.S. Army National Guard, she often thought of and missed her family and friends back home.
Now a junior majoring in speech communication at SIUE, Roberts can empathize with the troops stationed in the Middle East. As a member of the SIUE chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), Roberts joined forces with other students to take part in a program called "Adopt-A-Platoon."
Through the University's Kimmel Leadership Center, PRSSA, SIUE's Residence Housing Association, members of Students Assisting in Recruiting (STARs) and the Kinesiology Student Association are collecting a variety of items for soldiers stationed in the Middle East.
Fellow students Kathy Ferrero, of South Bend, Ind., a 30-year-old senior majoring in mass communications, and Alexis Vice, a 20-year-old junior from Paris, can personally relate to Roberts' devotion to the campus initiative.
Ferrero was stationed in southwest Asia as a public affairs specialist in the U.S. Air Force from October 2003 to February 2004. "It's amazing how isolated you can feel, even though you are close to your unit," she said. "The smallest gift can really lift your spirits."
Vice has heard firsthand just how much of an impact kind gestures can have. While stationed in Abu Ghraib, Vice's boyfriend suffered injuries to his right arm and shoulder following a mortar explosion. He has offered the volunteers suggestions about what types of items troops would need. "I feel very good about this because I wasn't able to help him when he was in Iraq," Vice said. "This is one small way we can show our support and that we care."
"We specifically wanted to do this during the month of January to drive home to the Marines that we always appreciate them; not just during the holidays," Roberts said. "This is a huge morale booster for those serving. We hope it helps to remind them of what they truly are fighting for."
Shawn Berens, 26, a sophomore business major from O'Fallon, spent two tours in the Persian Gulf with the U.S. Navy. He stopped by a collection site in the Morris University Center to offer his suggestions for donations. "It was nice to be home for Christmas for the first time in two years," Berens said.
He said the troops would appreciate practical items such as sunblock, as well as entertainment items, such as DVDs, CDs, word games, puzzles and playing cards.
Interest in the project has grown, said Kayla Chaplin, 18, a freshman from Macomb who plans to major in nursing and a member of STARs. During the University's Welcome Week festivities in the Morris Center, more organizations expressed a desire to volunteer for the project and make donations.
Drop-off sites are located in key locations of campus buildings. They are filled with AA batteries, packets of Kool-Aid, heavy black socks, hand sanitizer, dried fruit and beef jerky, DVDs and CDs, and current magazines, cards for troops to write their families and other items.
It also contains photos of U.S. Marines involved in military operations.
Items will be collected at campus locations through Jan. 31.
Click here for a photo of volunteers on the project, from left to right, Alexis Vice, Kathy Ferrero, Lori Roberts and Kayla Chaplin.
Click here for a photo of the volunteers, from left to right, Alexis Vice, Kathy Ferrero, Lori Roberts and Kayla Chaplin talking to Veteran Shawn Berens, who also is an SIUE student.
1/22/07
SIUE School of Dental Medicine Prepares To Give Kids a Smile
(ALTON, Ill.) Dental professionals, through Southern Illinois University's School of Dental Medicine (SDM) in Alton, are urging parents of qualified children to bring those between the ages of three and 13 to the fourth Give Kids A Smile Day for free examinations, X-rays, cleanings, fillings and more.
Children qualified to participate in the event are those eligible for free and reduced-priced meal programs. Give Kids A Smile Day will take place Saturday, Feb. 3, at the SDM Main Clinic in building 263 at 2800 College Ave., Alton.
While many area schools provide in-school dental programs, allowing students access to dentists and some dental services, children who attend Give Kids a Smile Day have the ability to undergo dental work on the spot at no charge, said Debra Schwenk, an assistant professor and the assistant dean of the School of Dental Medicine.
"Give Kids A Smile Day gives parents the opportunity to have their child's cavities treated for free," said Schwenk, chair of the Feb. 3 event "In-school programs might identify cavities, but they do not treat cavities."
Fun activities for children will take place throughout the day. The Lewis and Clark Community College Dental Hygiene and Assisting programs will offer a "Smile Station" on site, featuring games to help children learn the importance of keeping teeth clean.
Professionals from the Lewis and Clark programs, as well as from the Madison and St. Clair counties District Dental societies will provide services during the day.
Registration for the event is required and will take place from 7:30 a.m.-noon that day. Dental work will be performed throughout the day. For more information, contact the School of Dental Medicine, (618) 474-7000.
Avid supporters of the event, State Rep. Dan Beiser, D-East Alton, and State Sen. Bill Haine, D-Alton, will be in attendance.
1/23/07
Michael Doucet And BeauSoleil To Perform Feb. 3 For SIUE's A&I
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The music of the rich Cajun tradition-blended with elements of zydeco, New Orleans jazz, Tex-Mex, country and blues-will grace the Arts & Issues stage for Mardi Gras as Michael Doucet and his Grammy Award-winning BeauSoleil band come to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville at 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3. Laissez les bon temps roulez!
This exciting musical event-sponsored by Partners Bank of Glen Carbon-will take place in Meridian Ballroom, on the first floor of SIUE's Morris Center.
Since forming in 1975, BeauSoleil has become one of the most popular Cajun groups around, with performance venues ranging from The Grand Ole Opry to the Newport Folk Festival.
An award-winner himself, Michael Doucet is among 12 artists who have been awarded the prestigious National Heritage Fellowship by the National Endowment for the Arts. The award is the country's highest honor in the folk and traditional arts. Awardees are chosen for artistic excellence, cultural authenticity and contributions to their field.
The band's latest recording, Live in Louisiana, was released to coincide with the April 2006 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. It's the band members' first live album recorded at home, their 28th overall, and it celebrates 30 years of performing together. The album features a wide range of tunes from across the BeauSoleil discography and across the Cajun and Creole cultural spectrum.
Tickets for the Feb. 3 concert are $24; students, $12, and are available through the SIUE Fine Arts box office, (618) 650-2774, or at the Web site: artsandissues.com. Tickets still are available for the remaining Arts & Issues concert featuring the swinging sounds of the Glenn Miller Orchestra, April 28.
1/19/07
Wash. U. Psychotherapist To Speak At SIUE About Eating Disorders
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Psychotherapist Kim McCallum, who is an active member of the associate clinical faculty at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, will speak about "A Balanced Body: Eating Disorders/Moving from Embattled to Embraced" from 9-noon Friday, Jan. 26, at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
Sponsored by the SIUE Department of Social Work and co-sponsored by the Illinois Association of School Social Workers, Dr. McCallum will speak in the Delyte W. Morris University Center. The program carries three hours of continuing education units (CEU) for social workers, licensed clinical professional counselors and other human services professionals. Social workers, teachers, parents, counselors and students would benefit from this presentation, according to organizers.
The workshop is designed to provide an overview of eating disorders including signs, symptoms and medical complications, with discussion about how eating disorders should be treated. In addition, treatment options and implications will be discussed along with benchmarks of progress to evaluate the effectiveness of a chosen treatment.
Board certified in general adult and in child and adolescent psychiatry, Dr. McCallum possesses a broad range of psychotherapy skills including CBT, IFS and psychoanalysis. She earned an medical degree at Yale School of Medicine, general psychiatry training at the UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute and psychoanalytic training at the St. Louis Psychoanalytic Institute.
Dr. McCallum also has developed several SEDUs, including inpatient, partial hospital and intensive outpatient programs. She currently directs McCallum Place Eating Disorder Treatment Programs.
On-site registration begins 30 minutes before the start of the Jan. 26 workshop. Registration is $49 and includes light refreshments and parking in SIUE's Visitor Lot B. Student registration is $25. For registration information, call Emily Coffin by telephone, (618) 650-3207, or by e-mail: ecoffin@siue.edu.
1/19/07
SIUE Nursing Professor To Speak At Pandemic Flu Seminar
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Rita Acosta Sander, an assistant professor in the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Nursing, will present a Pandemic Influenza Overview from 9:15 to 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 6, at a pandemic flu preparedness seminar in Collinsville.
The seminar, sponsored by the St. Louis Area Pandemic Preparedness (SLAPP) committee, is scheduled to begin with registration and networking at 8:45 a.m., with the regular seminar beginning at 9 and continuing to noon at the Collinsville Area Recreation Activity Building, 10 Gateway Drive, Collinsville. This free seminar, which targets Illinois-area residents and businesses, is open to the public.
SLAPP organizers say the seminar is a valuable program for any employee, manager or business owner who wants to know more about terms like Pandemic, Bird Flu or Avian Flu, and what businesses can do to increase chances of survival should such a tragedy hit the St. Louis region. Speakers also will explore what the general public can do in addressing basic steps to preparedness.
Representatives from state and local government agencies, health experts and disaster planning experts from local corporations formed SLAPP to prepare residents, schools and businesses and other organizations in the metropolitan St. Louis area for a potential pandemic through education about pandemic preparedness, response and survival.
The organization also will conduct its Quarterly Conference, open to residents and businesses in the entire St. Louis area, the morning of March 13 at AT&T in downtown St. Louis. Confirmed speakers to date include representatives from the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, and St. Louis City and County.
All speakers will be discussing their pandemic plans, and the impact those plans will have on businesses and communities in the region. To register for Feb. 6 or March 13, or to obtain additional information about SLAPP, contact Harlan Dolgin at harlan.dolgin@reuters.com.
1/19/07
SIUE Associate Professor Of Pharmacy Receives IACP Grant
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) A grant from the International Academy of Compounding Pharmacists (IACP) will help an associate professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville study interaction between patients who use tailor-made medications and the pharmacists who make those medications.
More than $3,000 has been awarded to Tim McPherson of the SIUE School of Pharmacy, who will work with sociologist Patrick Fontane, of the St. Louis College of Pharmacy, during the next nine months to investigate the relationship between patients who receive these "compounded" products and the "compounding" pharmacists.
According to McPherson, he and Fontane will try to find if this relationship is unique to patients who receive compounded products compared with patients who receive commercially manufactured medications.
McPherson said there are some common reasons that patients request alternatives to traditional, mass-produced medications. "Often patients experience undesirable side effects," he noted, "and those side effects persist with the continued use of the medication, or the medications fail to work properly."
This is where a compounding pharmacist enters the picture.
McPherson explained chemical companies sell powdered versions of pure drugs, such as human estrogen and progesterone, and a compounding pharmacist mixes the pure drugs with filler ingredients to produce a dosage for a specific patient.
The compounding pharmacist works with the patient's physician, and with the patient, to make dosage and medication choices. McPherson said he will focus on the role compounding pharmacists play in their interactions with physicians, and in helping patients understand their medical conditions and the medications they take.
Some of the questions McPherson hopes to answer include: "Is the relationship closer among patients and pharmacists with this segment than it is under traditional circumstances? Do these pharmacists spend more time counseling their patients on compounded products? Are patients more satisfied with compounded products?"
1/17/07
Imani Winds Jan. 26 Concert Sold Out For SIUE Arts & Issues Series
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Acclaimed internationally for expanding the bounds of traditional wind ensembles-blending European, African and American music traditions-Imani Winds will play to a sold out audience Jan. 26 at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville as part of SIUE's Arts & Issues series.
Known for its dynamic performances, critically praised recordings and innovative programming, Imani Winds will perform at 8 p.m. in the theater at SIUE's Katherine Dunham Hall. "Our audiences will find that this ensemble sparkles with tonal warmth and superbly polished execution," said John Peecher, coordinator of the series for the University.
Since its inception in 1997, this group-the name Imani means "faith" in Swahili-has established a presence in the classical music world for dynamic performance, musical innovation and inspirational outreach programs which often explore "the culture and heritage of the African Diaspora, while introducing Western classical traditions to diverse classroom audiences.
Tickets still are available for the remaining Arts & Issues dates: the exciting Cajun style music of BeauSoleil with Michael Doucet, Feb. 3; and the swinging sounds of the Glenn Miller Orchestra, April 28.
For ticket information or for reservations for the remaining Arts & Issues events, contact the SIUE Fine Arts box office, (618) 650-2774. Subscriptions and tickets also may be purchased at the Web site: artsandissues.com.
Click here for a photo of Imani Winds
1/17/01
Changes
- Scott Belobrajdic joined the University Nov. 6 as assistant vice chancellor for Enrollment Management.
- Kathryn Bentley, an instructor in the Department of Theater and Dance, was named an assistant professor Aug. 16.
- Jennifer Bolander joined the University Nov. 7 as an asisstant professor of Curriculum and Instruction.
- John V. Caupert Jr. joined the University Oct. 16 as director of the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center in University Park.
- Radhika Devraj joined the University Aug. 1 as an assistant professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences.
- Jameca Falconer, assistant professor of psychology, left the University Dec. 31.
- Julie Hopwood joined the University Jan.2 as assistant to the provost for policy and communication.
- Elizabeth Lowe, assistant professor of Library and Information Services, left the University Oct. 31
- John Peecher, assistant development director in the College of Arts and Sciences and coordinator of the Arts & Issues series, left the University Jan. 16 to accept the position of director of Development at the University of Chicago.
Retirements
- Barbara Brooks, an administrative associate for the SIU School of Dental Medicine, effective Jan. 1, after more than 30 years.
- Lela DeToye, retired associate professor of Curriculum and Instruction and associate dean of the School of Education, was granted emerita associate dean status, effective July 1.
- John Drueke, director of Academic Computing, effective Dec. 1, after nearly 30 years.
- Patricia Graham, a secretary for University Services to East St. Louis, effective Jan. 1, after more than 20 years.
- Sharon Grider, a lecturer in Primary Care and Health Systems Nursing, effective Jan 1, after more than four years.
- Louella Hawkins, a program director for University Services to East St. Louis, effective Jan. 1, after nearly 36 years.
- Barbara Hickman, a secretary in the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice Studies, effective Jan. 1, after nearly 15 years.
- Eddie Howard, a building service worker, effective Jan. 1, after more than 25 years.
- Dennis Hostetler, retired professor of Public Administration and Policy Analysis, was granted emeritus status Sept. 1.
- Betty Lewis, a coordinator for University Services to East St. Louis, effective Jan. 1, after more than 23 years.
- Karen Patty-Graham, director of Instructional Services, effective Jan. 1, after 30 years.
- Ruth Smith, a project specialist for University Services to East St. Louis, effective Jan. 1, after more than 23 years.
- Laura McCleod, an associate for University Services to East St. Louis, effective Jan. 1, after more than 20 years.
- Sarah Mulholland, a coordinator for University Services to East St. Louis, effective Dec. 1, after 16 years.
- John Schrage, an associate professor of Computer Management and Information Services, effective Jan. 1, after more than 28 years.
- Luke Snell, retired professor of construction in the School of Engineering, was granted emeritus status June 16.
- Bernard Waxman, retired professor of Computer Science in the School of Engineering, was granted emeritus status Sept. 1.
1/17/07
SIUE Pharmacy Students Present At National Conference
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Four Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy students recently presented what they learned from a service learning project at a national conference in Anaheim, Calif.
The students, which made up two class teams of two, supported by a $3,000 grant from Pfizer Pharmaceuticals to share their story at the conference.
Led by Bill Wuller, a clinical assistant professor of pharmacy practice and director of experiential education at SIUE, first-year pharmacy students A.J. Roseboom of East Alton, Jarod Schaltenbrand of Smithton, Jordan Bills of O'Fallon, and Ryan Hanewinkel of Edwardsville, set out to educate area senior citizens and individuals living with disabilities about Medicare Part D through a class project. The students worked with Suzanne Kutterer-Siburt, assistant director of the University's Kimmel Leadership Center, as well as with the Area Agency on Aging of Southwestern Illinois.
The students' project was chosen from among other teams in a class of 80 students, Wuller said.
Click here for photo of the students with the poster, from left to right, Andrew Roseboom, Jared Schaltenbrand, Ryan Hanewinkel and Jordan S. Bills.
1/16/07
SIUE Student From O'Fallon Honored As Leader By Enterprise
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Michelle S. Carpenter of O'Fallon, Mo., a business major at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, was recently honored with the Enterprise Foundation Rent-A-Car Student Leader of the Month Award. She plans to graduate in December with a bachelor of science in business administration.
The award recognizes students who are nominated by their campus organization for outstanding participation and responsibility. Carpenter's award is in recognition of her service to SIUE's International Business Association (IBA), for which she is currently president.
The organization is dedicated to enhancing student awareness of international business by promoting social and professional relationships between U.S. students, international students and companies. Carpenter's major includes a specialty in international business.
Cynthia Peterson, assistant director of International Programs and faculty advisor of the IBA, said, "Michelle has been the driving force in starting the International Business Association on our campus and has enthusiastically promoted student involvement in the group. Under her leadership, the IBA has been able to form strong relationships with respected companies such as Anheuser-Busch Companies, Enterprise Rent-A-Car and the Boeing Company," Peterson said.
In addition to this award, Carpenter received the Competitive Travel Award from SIUE's School of Business last spring, which helped pay for her study trip to Mexico. Carpenter speaks Spanish fluentlyand she is interested in joining the Peace Corps after graduation.
In response to receiving the Enterprise Foundation Award, Carpenter said being involved in student organization and leadership positions can be beneficial. "Student organizations enhance your education by allowing you to continually apply what you are learning in the classroom to the real world," she said. "To be recognized by a company like Enterprise Rent-A-Car is very satisfying."
The award carries with it a $50 stipend and certificate. In addition, Carpenter will be recognized at a reception in the spring that will honor all Enterprise Rent-A-Car award recipients and will provide SIUE business students with an opportunity to network with Enterprise executives.
The SIUE School of Business is among an elite 15 percent of business schools worldwide that have earned the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation, a seal of approval that the SIUE School has earned each year since 1975. SIUE's accountancy program also is accredited through AACSB. Less than 33 percent of AACSB-accredited business schools hold an accounting accreditation.
Click here for photo of Michelle Carpenter
1/11/07
Two Nationally Successful SIUE Alumni To Be Honored May 5
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) During its May 5 commencement ceremonies, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville will honor a long-time White House correspondent who was one of the first Mass Communications majors at SIUE, and the CEO of a national firm, who also is an SIUE alumnus.
The SIU Board of Trustees today approved the Distinguished Service Award for Robert McClellan, president and CEO of Hortica Inc. who holds a bachelor's in math and business as well as an MBA from SIUE, and an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters for CBS Radio News White House correspondent Peter Maer, a member of the 1970 SIUE graduation class which included the first graduates of the University's Mass Communications program.
Maer has covered the White House for more than 20 years-first for the NBC/Mutual Radio network and since 1998 for CBS Radio News. He has reported on every political convention, campaign and election since 1980, encompassing five presidents.
His assignments have taken him throughout the country and to nearly 40 countries, covering several disasters during his tenure, including Three Mile Island and the Mexico City earthquake of 1985. Maer was at the White House when the terrorist attacks occurred Sept. 11, 2001. He also was part of a team for CBS Radio News that won the Edward R. Murrow Award for its reporting on the first anniversary of the attacks.
Still at the White House, Maer now specializes in reporting on matters of Homeland Security, During his storied career, Maer also has provided coverage of President Clinton's impeachment proceedings, for which he also won a Murrow, honored four times with the Merriman Smith Memorial Award for "Presidential Coverage Under Deadline Pressure" and has received a first place Overseas Press Club Award for his 1986 Reagan-Gorbachev Summit reporting.
Maer also won the Scripps-Howard Award and the National Radio Festival Award for documentaries on President Clinton's race initiative.
McClellan was an adjunct faculty member at SIUE from 1978-1985 in the SIUE School of Business and also held the Management Information Services director position at SIUE until 1987. He joined Hortica, Inc., (then Florists' Mutual Insurance) in 1987 as a vice president of Management Information Systems. He was later promoted to Senior Vice President. Before he was named company president and CEO in 1994, he was executive vice president and CEO.
When Edwardsville High School required assistance with its new technology plan during the 1996 school year, McClellan worked with district administrators on the plan, providing consultation and financial resources in the purchase of new computers for the school's computer lab.
He received the 1997 Albert Cassens Community Service Award from the Edwardsville and Glen Carbon Chamber of Commerce, which is given to an "active and upstanding citizen" within the community who gives freely of their time.
Throughout his career, McClellan has been an active member of numerous boards and community groups. He has served, or is currently serving, on The Alliance of Edwardsville & Glen Carbon board, the board of directors of Home Nursery Inc., the governing board of Economics America, the executive board of the Boy Scouts of America, Trails West Council, the SIUE Foundation Board, the Lewis & Clark Community College Foundation Board, the SIUE School of Engineering IPAC Board, the Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois Board, and the University Park Board.
In addition, he has been a member, or is currently a member, of the Missouri Botanical Garden-Gardens of SIUE Steering Committee, Shaw's Garden East, the Great Rivers Research Project Advisory Team, the I-55 Corridor Study Project Management Team, the Mid-America Airport Cargo Steering Committee, the American Tree Farmers Association and the American Association of Nurserymen, also serving as Chair of the American Association of Nurserymen's Automated Information Committee.
McClellan was instrumental in coordinating Hortica's most recent gift to The Gardens at SIUE. He literally "rolled up his sleeves" and carried the plantings and flowers donated by Hortica to the very successful Lincoln Academy Celebration on campus in 2005.
1/11/07
SIU Trustees Approve Projects For Alton, Edwardsville Campuses
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees today gave project and budget approval for the SIU School of Dental Medicine's (SDM) proposed dispensing and sterilization renovation at the School's Main Clinic at an estimated cost of $900,000.
It was one of four facilities-affiliated projects affecting SIUE that the board considered today during its regular meeting held at SIUE.
The 20-year-old clinic building on the SDM's Alton campus contains 32,000 square feet and recent expansion added another 4,500 square feet for 24 new "operatories" and classrooms. The expanded operatories have increased the number of patient visits, resulting in a need for expanded dispensing and sterilization facilities.
This project would include the conversion of an existing supply room to an expanded sterilization area, purchase new washers and sterilizers, and remodel the existing dispensing area. Funding for the renovation is available in the School's Clinic Operations Fund, the SDM's Facility and Equipment Use Fee Account, and its Foundation Account.
The SIU board also approved SIUE's Facilities Master Plan 2, which identifies options for use of parcels on the Edwardsville campus, serving as a "road map" for future development on campus by identifying potential buildings and building sites. University officials say the plan is not intended to convey program size or scope of any of the facilities.
New building designs and locations will be consistent with the Design Guidelines for Architects and Engineers approved by the Board of Trustees in 2006. The plan is in consonance with the SIUE Land Use Plan. This update to the original plan continues the concept of appropriately scaled buildings sited to create quadrangles and walkways within a pedestrian dominated core.
University officials said the updated master plan will focus solely on the Edwardsville campus because the Alton campus plan is included in a separate state funding request, the East St. Louis campus was recently expanded and is considered complete, and the Springfield facility will only grow moderately in response to the expanded presence of the Pharmacy and Nursing programs. Also, University Park will develop as needed in response to market demands.
In addition, planning approval was given by the board for two other projects-Textbook Services Relocation and Bookstore Renovation and to develop schematics and cost estimates for repair and improvements to the Vadalabene Center.
1/11/07
Chancellor Recommends NCAA Division I Status For Athletics
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) After nearly 40 years of a storied intercollegiate athletics program at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, the Cougars are a step closer to applying for reclassification to NCAA Division I status for all sports in the SIUE program.
SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift presented his recommendation today to the SIU Board of Trustees to move the Intercollegiate Athletics program from Division II to Division I. The board will vote on the recommendation at its next meeting March 1. "The Cougars have been highly successful for many years as a Division II program," Vandegrift said. "And, with Board approval, we will continue to perform at a high level against Division I teams."
He pointed out that SIUE-as the only metropolitan university in Southern Illinois-has been nationally recognized for the excellence of its academic programs. "We will continue our level of excellence in academics, and with this move will provide even more points of excellence for our students."
Vandegrift said he formulated his recommendation after taking into consideration the findings of the Intercollegiate Athletics Task Force (IATF)-made up of SIUE students, faculty, staff, alumni, and residents of the surrounding communities to study the future of the SIUE athletics program. He also said he considered information gathered from the University community and members of nearby communities, as well as comments gathered by the IATF during various open forums.
"SIUE athletics has a successful history competing against NCAA Division I opponents," said SIUE Intercollegiate Athletics Director Brad Hewitt. "Several sports compete directly with NCAA Division I institutions during the regular season. In our school's history, nearly every sport has achieved a considerable level of success against NCAA Division I opponents."
The IATF spent 16 months analyzing the pros and cons of moving to Division I, creating a hybrid program of Division I and Division II sports, or staying within Division II. Vandegrift thanked the IATF and its chair, Gary Giamartino, SIUE interim vice chancellor for University Relations, for its thorough evaluation.
Vandegrift said that if the Board approves his recommendation several steps must be taken during the five-year reclassification process. For information about the process, visit the SIUE Athletics Web site: www.siue.edu/ATHLETIC.
SIUE has won 16 national championships in its history, including two in men's soccer (1972, 1979), seven in men's tennis (1978 through 1984), three in wrestling (1984-85-86) and four in women's tennis (1986-87-88-89). The 1979 men's soccer championship won as a Division I program.
1/10/07
AAC&U Study Lauds SIUE's Senior Assignment Program
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's Senior Assignment Program-one of the early model assessment programs in the country begun at SIUE more than a decade ago-is among 16 examples nationwide of what institutions of higher learning must do to ensure a better future for students, according to a national study released today by the Association of American Colleges & Universities (AAC&U).
SIUE is the only institution of higher learning in Illinois cited in the report.
SIUE's assessment program is required curriculum for all seniors to demonstrate their degree of general education knowledge, as well as knowledge within their disciplines prior to graduation. For two years in a row, U.S. News and World Report has touted the excellence of SIUE's program alongside 15 universities including Yale, Harvard, MIT, Duke and Princeton.
Over the years, SIUE's senior assignment program has been recognized on several occasions as a model for other institutions across the nation. Today's most recent report-College Learning for the New Global Century-was authored by the National Leadership Council for Liberal Education & America's Promise (LEAP) convened by the AAC&U.
The report outlines what colleges, community colleges and universities can do to "fulfill the promise of a liberating college education-for every student and for America's future." It lists "seven principles of excellence" on which universities and colleges must focus to fulfill their promise to students in the 21st Century.
Under a series of 10 effective educational practices that colleges and universities should adopt and provide to far more students than currently have access to them, other programs were cited at Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Smith College, Bowling Green State University and Tulane University, to name four.
"Our senior assignment program is all-encompassing," said Lesa Stern, director of SIUE's undergraduate assessment and program review, and the Undergraduate Research Academy. She explained SIUE's assignment program is not the same as traditional capstone programs, which assess individual learning.
SIUE's program assesses the overall program effectiveness and the degree of interdisciplinary competence among graduates. "A good example of a senior assignment program here is the public relations track of speech communication" Stern said, noting seniors form small groups with each submitting a proposal to an outside company or organization for a special event.
Such organizations in the past have included the Collinsville Area Recreation District and the National Children's Cancer Society. "In the spring, the students put on the events for organizations," Stern said. "If they do it well as senior assignment candidates working with real clients, then the students can succeed as public relations professionals"
This type of assessment incorporates more than the knowledge gained during the students' track of study, Stern said, adding that it involves critical thinking, budgeting and people skills, and other skills that students gain during the early stages of study at the University.
SIUE Provost Paul Ferguson said he is pleased with SIUE's recognition in the national report. "We are extremely pleased and grateful that the Association of American Colleges and Universities has recognized the SIUE Senior Assignment as a model capstone project," Ferguson said.
"This recognition appropriately honors the commitment of our faculty to each of our students in the pursuit of academic excellence and is a defining characteristic of SIUE."
The AAC&U is concerned with the quality, vitality, and public standing of undergraduate liberal education. Founded in 1915, AAC&U now comprises more than 1,100 accredited public and private colleges and universities of every type and size.
1/10/07
Upward Bound Students Inducted Into National Honor Society
(EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill.) Four Upward Bound Math & Science students were recently inducted into the National Honor Society, according to Elke Harris-McIntosh, assistant program director.
Rosza Brown, Janise Johnson, Lerleatha McCall and Ryan Smith are the students whose scholastic achievements earned them a spot in the National Honor Society. All are seniors at Cahokia High School and have participated in the Upward Bound Program through SIUE's East St. Louis Center for four years. The students will graduate with honors in spring.
The faculty and staff at Cahokia High School nominate students who meet the following criteria: demonstrate a 3.5 grade point average (scholarship ability), prove to be a positive example or role model (leadership potential), display good moral integrity and excellent conduct (character), and volunteer to work for charitable organizations (provide community service).
Brown earned straight As in her junior year and has been a class officer all four years of her high school career. She also is vice-president of the senior class. After college, BROWN plans to do research in medicine.
Johnson has been in honors classes at Cahokia and she also has been a varsity cheerleader.
McCall is president of the senior class and the yearbook staff and is co-captain of the Cahokia girls track team. She plans a career in theater or literature after college.
Smith co-captained the winning state playoff football team that reached the quarter-finals of the Illinois High School Association. He also was named to the 1st team South Seven Conference as linebacker. Ryan plans a professional football career after graduating from college. He also is considering a career as a trainer and coach.
1/9/07
WoRKS Study Group, SIUE Professor To Discuss Quantum Physics
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) "Implications of Quantum Physics" will be the topic at the next World Religions, Knowledge, and Science (WoRKS) Group Edwardsville discussion series at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 17, in the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Religious Center.
Eric Voss, associate chemistry professor at SIUE, will host the evening's dialogue that will examine "important theological implications" of "quantum uncertainties." Voss will base the discussion on a chapter of When Science Meets Religion: Enemies, Strangers or Partners, a book by Ian Barbour.
"Our current understanding of the quantum world involves uncertainty in determining the exact relation between certain pairs of variables, such as the position of an electron and its momentum," Voss explained "These quantum uncertainties have important theological implications that we will explore in our discussion."
The WoRKS Group Edwardsville is presenting a three-year series of distinguished lecturers and study group meetings in which science and religion interface for the campus and regional communities. WoRKS is funded in part by the Metanexus Institute.
The WoRKS Group meets at the Religious Center (the geodesic dome designed by famed theorist R. Buckminster Fuller) at SIUE, and conducts both Study Group Sessions and a Distinguished Speakers Series at the Center that invite influential thinkers for public presentations and open discussion. The group's topics are timely and relevant to current events and issues.
The WoRKS Group events are funded by a grant from the Metanexus Institute, with matching funds provided by the Graduate School, the Office of the Provost (Social and Cultural Diversity), the College of Arts and Sciences, the Department of Philosophy, the University Religious Council, and the Friends of the Religious Center, all at SIUE.
There is no admission charge and parking is available in Visitors Lot B for $1 per hour. For more information, call Philosophy Professor Greg Fields, (618) 650-2461.
1/5/07
SIUE To Host Greater St. Louis 'Botball' Regional Tourney
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Groups of teenagers will get an education in leadership, teamwork, time management, organization, design and more through interaction with robots.
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville will host The Greater St. Louis Botball Regional Tournament on April 28 in the Morris University Center. While the University often hosts robotics events on its campus, this is the first time it will host a regional competition for a national program.
"This event will give us a chance to excite a few hundred bright students in and around the St. Louis Metropolitan Area," said Hasan Sevim, dean of the SIUE School of Engineering. "We hope that some of these students will consider engineering and science as career choices because of these types of experiences."
Created by KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) Institute for Practical Robotics (KIPR), a nonprofit organization based in Norman, Okla., Botball incorporates principles of mathematics, science, engineering, project management and technology. Each team of students spends about seven weeks building a robot for a Botball competition.
To help students prepare for the big day, a two-day professional development workshop will take place on the SIUE campus March 10-11. Students will participate in hands-on robotics training, while learning the latest in robotics technology. Participants will receive information about the Botball game, as well as reusable robotics kits and components.
Participation is limited to middle and high-school aged students. An adult team leader must register teams of five to 30 students online at the Botball Web site, www.botball.org, by April 16.
At the conclusion of the event, participating schools and communities may keep robotics equipment and software licenses.
For more information, contact Jerry Weinberg, jweinbe@siue.edu, or, (618) 650-2368.
1/3/07
Space Still Available At Two-Day Grant Conference
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Space still is available for researchers to attend the Metropolitan Saint Louis Grants Conference scheduled from 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 10, in Whitaker Hall at Washington University and at the same time Thursday, Jan. 11, in Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's Morris University Center.
The grant series will feature topics such as the National Science Foundation: The American Competitiveness Initiative; the National Endowment for the Humanities: Building Sustainable & Fundable Digital Research Programs in the Humanities; Biofuels and Bioprocessing; The Global Challenge: Fostering and Leveraging International Collaboration and Promoting; and Integrating Research and Education in Primarily Undergraduate Institutions.
Registration is $50 per day and includes continental breakfast, lunch, parking and a reception. The luncheon is sold out at the Washington University event, but space is available at the lunch during the SIUE portion of the two-day event.
For more information, or to register, contact Christa Johnson, assistant dean of Graduate Studies and Research at SIUE, by phone: (618) 650-2171, or by e-mail: cjohnaa@siue.edu. Pre-registration is required.